Organ Restoration Reconsidered

Download or read book Organ Restoration Reconsidered written by John Watson and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume brings together a series of essays delivered at the international colloquium "Historic Organs Reconsidered: Restoration and Conservation for a New Century," held in 1999 at Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia. With St. Luke's exceptionally rare 1630 English chamber organ as a backdrop, invited authorities from seven countries offered diverse views on musical, ethical, and historical issues driving organ restoration today. Part 1 of the book places the often-vexing issues of organ restoration in the broader context of musical instrument restoration and historic preservation and considers the implications of emerging "forensic" examination methods for restoration ethics. Part 2 visits two conservation laboratories, providing an inside glimpse of new approaches to preservation-minded restoration. Part 3 focuses specifically on Historic St. Luke's organ and its musical history, with attention to the organ's possible builder, its first owners, and early repertory. Part 4 offers perspectives on restoration through case studies of other historic organs in Europe and America.