The Organ Reform Movement—A Revitalization of the 17th Century North German Organ

Authors

Benjamin J. Crandall, Brigham Young University
Dr. Douglas E. Bush, Brigham Young University

Keywords

organ reform, German organ, music, Arp Schnitger

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Music

Abstract

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries comprised the so-called “golden age” of the organ due to the remarkable instruments built then and because of the extraordinary repertoire which spawned from these organs. Reaching a pinnacle of tonal expertise and craftsmanship in the organs of Arp Schnitger (1648-1719) and his North German contemporaries, these organs inspired a 20th- century “organ reform movement” in which American organ builders began to construct organs modeled after the historic organs. This in turn has affected 20th-century compositional practice and has changed many views and concepts of performance.

Recommended Citation

Crandall, Benjamin J. and Bush, Dr. Douglas E. (2013) "The Organ Reform Movement—A Revitalization of the 17th Century North German Organ," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2309.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2309