The king of instruments

by Peter Williams

The organ is the largest instrument with the largest repertory and the greatest influence on Western music's unique evolution. But what is its origin? Who first made it, when, where, how? Why was it introduced in churches? What gradually led to the vast world of organ music? Is the keyboard itself not one of the West's greatest inventions?

This newly-revised book by Peter Williams reviews what is known and speculated about this fascinating topic, drawing on a large number of interdisciplinary sources to suggest some answers and underlines the significance (in the words of an early scribe) of the “instrument of instruments”.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Full name Peter F. Williams; publishes as Peter Williams

University of Edinburgh 1962-1985
Duke University 1985-1997
University of Cardiff 1996-

Reviews

[Mykayla Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Note: I read the revised edition, but it’s not listed on Goodreads.

I can’t imagine caring this much about organs. But he writes well enough.