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Important Personalities of American Organ Music of The Nineteenth Century

Publication at Faculty of Education |
2022

Abstract

The primitive conditions of the eighteenth century prohibited most artistic experiments for many years. Music itself was also forbidden in some forms of worship.

The singing of the psalms thus became the only possible way of musical expression. In that time the English musical practices, traditions and tastes predominated in The United States.

American musicians very often relied on the works of their English predecessors. In liturgical practice we can found transcriptions of the famous works by G.

F. Händel or Scottish folk songs called Scotch Airs.

Since the second half of the nineteenth century almost every American organist has spent several years studying abroad in Europe. However, this trend has changed over time.

American organ authors were very well trained in their field and their music showed to us a great deal of talent. At the end of the nineteenth century American organ works reached its top.

Nevertheless this fame was short and was soon to be overcome by the success of symphonic and orchestral compositions. The music of the royal instrument receded into the background of churches and American composers focused their attention on new, more popular media.