Peter Williams

"No complete book in English or indeed in any other language has hitherto been available on the immense subject of the European organ; certainly not one covering each area and period in full historical detail. From a few English and a very large number of German, French, Italian and other sources, Dr Williams has drawn a history of this most complex and magnificent of all instruments. He has himself visited many of the places concerned, and has included references to English organ-building where these are relevant. Suggestions in reference-notes for further information are aimed at professional readers, while for the more general reader there are many notes in the text about actual instruments he can visit or hear abroad. In the chapters devoted to the seven main areas, authentic registration rules--perhaps the most complete collection so far made--have been incorporated, and there is constant reference to the theorists and composers of the time and area under consideration. An introduction sketches the construction of the organ, a glossary of stop-names offers results of some of the most up-to-date research, and 100 photographs with (a unique feature) seven maps fill in the gazetteer aspect of the subject. Particular importance is attached to describing the splendid work of the best-known builders, the evolution of the Renaissance from the Gothic organ, and the signs of decline in the 1750-1850 period. For some areas, notably Spain and the western Slav countries, the book draws for the first time in English the main lines of development and at the same time suggests evaluations as to the important and the unimportant in the history of all the European organs."--Dust jacket.

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