Understanding the Pipe Organ: A Guide for Students, Teachers and Lovers of the Instrument - Paperback

by John R. Shannon (Author)

The pipe organ, an instrument whose origins date to ancient Greece, is prominent in the development of secular and church music, and its builders were as artistic as the composers like Bach, Pachelbel and Handel who played them. This book describes the mechanics, fabrication, and acoustics of all types of pipe organs. Although it is technical in nature, its design, descriptions, and language are directed to organ students, their teachers, and all persons who love the organ. The book covers the construction of several types of pipe organ, with chapters on actions, chests, pipe work, wind supply, electrical circuitry, mechanics, registration, organ placement, acoustics, and repairs.

Author Biography

The late John R. Shannon was professor emeritus of music at Sweet Briar College, and the author or editor of several books about organ composition, improvisation and music history. A charter member of the Southern Historical Keyboard Society, he lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.