Understanding The Pipe Organ: A Guide for Students, Teachers and Lovers of the Instrument [Paperback]

John R. Shannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 2009 | ISBN-10: 078643998X | ISBN-13: 978-0786439980

The pipe organ, an instrument whose origins date to ancient Greece, is prominent in the development of secular and church music, and its builders were as artistic as the composers like Bach, Pachelbel and Handel who played them. This book describes the mechanics, fabrication, and acoustics of all types of pipe organs. Although it is technical in nature, its design, descriptions, and language are directed to organ students, their teachers, and all persons who love the organ. The book covers the construction of several types of pipe organ, with chapters on actions, chests, pipe work, wind supply, electrical circuitry, mechanics, registration, organ placement, acoustics, and repairs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John R. Shannon is professor emeritus of music at Sweet Briar College, and is author or editor of several books about organ composition, improvisation and music history. He is a charter member of the Southern Historical Keyboard Society and lives in Elkin, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (January 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078643998X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786439980
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for pipe organ builders, April 21, 2009

By 

DHRay "Dot's Thoughts" (SoCal, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding The Pipe Organ: A Guide for Students, Teachers and Lovers of the Instrument (Paperback)

I purchased an old pipe organ built in 1922. It was completely disassembled and I didn't fully understand all the parts/pieces. I purchased several pipe organ books and Mr. Shannon's book was the best single-source for answering all my questions. It was informative, easy to read, and contained all the necessary drawings to understand functionality and use of the various components. I feel confident that I can now assemble and bring this beautiful organ back to life.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars INDISPENSABLE HANDBOOK FOR ORGANISTS, April 24, 2009

By 

J.M.Bullard ""CURMUDGEON"" (SPARTANBURG, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding The Pipe Organ: A Guide for Students, Teachers and Lovers of the Instrument (Paperback)

SHANNON'S BOOK DEALS WITH EVERY ASPECT OF THE PIPE ORGAN: ITS COMPONENTS, MECHANISM, KEY AND STOP ACTIONS, ELECTRICS, PLACEMENT, PLUS HANDY ADVICE ON MAKING SIMPLE REPAIRS JUST BEFORE THE CHURCH SERVICE. THE AUTHOR WRITES ENGAGINGLY FROM A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE AS PLAYER, COMPOSER, BUILDER, & TEACHER. HIS METHOD IS PATIENT, CAREFUL, THOROUGH, AND AUTHORITATIVE. AN EXPERT, HE IS NEVER CONDESCENDING. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE ON THE CONSOLE OF EVERY ORGAN IN THE COUNTRY; IT WILL BE CHERISHED AND USED BY ALL SERIOUS LOVERS OF THE ORGAN,INCLUDING MUSIC COMMITTEEMEN. THE MOST USEFUL SUCH BOOK ON THE MARKET TODAY. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. J.M.Bullard