Thirteen Essays About the Organ, Edited by Paul Hale"> This book collects the views of distinguished writers, all known for being both leaders in their fields and also blessed with penetrating philosophical insight. Peter Williams and John Butt present the prospect of a "post-authentic" future with a variety of performance styles informed by recently gained knowledge but no longer suggesting that good performance implies a straight jacket. Thomas Murray observes an international reawakening of true romanticism in organ playing and building. Kevin Boyer sheds new light on the whole range of 20th-century organ music. Stephen Bicknell rejoices in the inspiring quality of contemporary organbuilding in the USA. Nicholas Thistlethwaite visits landmarks of 20th-century organbuilding, and John Norman predicts a century ahead. Patrick Burns brings a new impression of the Atlantic City organ, the largest in the world. David Briggs writes on improvisation and Roy Bingham on theatre-organ playing. Two writers examine church music: Lionel Dakers surveys the 20th century and Richard Shephard discusses today's demands on church music composers. Terry Hoyle traces the history of organ recordings. Introductory essays by The Most Rev. David Hope, Archbishop of York; and general editor Paul Hale, along with Photographs and brief biographies of the writers complete this fine book, published in 2000 in England by the Incorporated Association of Organists. 187 pages, illustrated, softbound CONTENTS Foreword by His Grace, the Archbishop of York Preface by the editor, Paul Hale Bach Revisited Professor Peter Williams Are we any closer to understanding Bach, the organist and organ-composer? Dr John Butt The historical performance movement; Bach and the organ in 2000 The Organ & Its Music Stephen Bicknell The Best of the Bunch: a personal view of some Twentieth Century landmarks Canon Nicholas Thistlethwaite The English Cathedral Organ in the Twentieth Century Professor Thomas Murray Heretical Thoughts from a Neo-orchestralist John Norman Into the Twenty-third Century Patrick Burns A visit to the world's largest organ, with some impressions, views and opinions Kevin Bowyer Twentieth Century European Organ Music: a Toast David Briggs Improvisation: a Perspective Roy Bingham Theatre Organ Playing Church Music Dr Lionel Dakers Church music in the Twentieth Century: a rise and fall? Richard Shephard Composing for the Church today Recorded Music Terry Hoyle The rise and rise of the recording industry |