Making Music on the Organ

by Peter Hurford

With the first publication of this book in hardcover in 1988, Peter Hurford, acclaimed for his performances and recordings, demonstrated his ability to communicate to professionals, amateurs, and general listeners the ideas that underpin his performance and teaching. Making Music on the Organ sets out the relation of both the instrument and the performer to the world of music at large, gives authoritative advice on technical problems, and describes the workings of the instrument itself. The chapters on interpretation, with particular emphasis on the music of J.S. Bach, are invaluable, arising from the author's own lifelong dedication to the performance of Bach's music. For this revised edition, the author has made a number of textual emendations and additions and has included new material on the principles of good organ design and the history and use of the swell-box, and a useful summary of temperament.

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 1988

Reviews

[Joe Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the musical thought of Peter Hurford in the 1980s. While he does address various historical matters (performance practice in 17th–18th century Germany and France, organ construction, etc.), the information is often limited and serves more to provide an unfamiliar reader with some cursory knowledge and, above all, to form a foundation for Hurford's more personal, subjective commentary. His commentary is arguably the most valuable and unique aspect of the book.