The Art of Organ Building (Volume 2 of 2)

This book probably was a classic (in 1905). Many organs built since then clearly reflect those who read and believed. Many organs built in the US until 1940 seem like they could have been influenced. Very British - opinionated and pompous. No room for debate, etc. No offered credentials other than - because I say so. The real book (Vol 1) begins at about pg 350-400. The technical content and drawings are outstanding -- for 1905. He had no foreknowledge of the classical revial of post-WWII. He figured -- if we have technology, why look back. It was a different age so many of his opinions sound silly -- like -- let's rename all the stops. Am I glad I read it? -Absolutely. Will I refer to it? - Undoubtedly. Will I read it again? - No -- once is enough. Age 56.

This as well as volume 2 is a critical part of anyone's library who wish to learn about construction of the pipe organ. Although the books are very old, they are a treasure of otherwise unpublished information on the historic details of organ building world-wide.

This book has almost every thing about pipe organs.Fun and enjoyable to read.The Windchests part was very well explained.

Although this book does not cover the organ revival of the 50's and 60's, it has much to offer the amateur organ builder. From simple ancient organ designs to the more famous organs such as the one at St. Bavos this book will cover much of it. The few things this book does not cover to a great extent is the voicing process, and recent technology (post 20's) but it offers enough to educate the already knowledgeable amateur, but not reccomended for someone that doesn't know a little about pipe organs.

This book would be appealing to the small fraction of the population that has in depth experience with the "King or Instruments". All others would probably soon find themselves lost. Although Audsley does a thourough job of explaining what goes on in an organ, a lot of what he says would carry more meaning if the reader knew the actual sound of what was being discussed. Great pictures, in-depth discussion, and Audsley minces no words when he criticizes his contemporaries...be prepared for the full force of Victorian wrathful prose! Assuming you've any experience with an organ, this book will keep you turning pages for quite some time. Otherwise, be prepared to scratch your head...