Howard Goodall's Organ Works DVD

This award-winning series of four half-hour programmes written and presented by the irrepressible Howard Goodall gives a fascinating and humorous insight into the world of the organ and endeavours to explain why for some people this bold colourful and beautiful instrument has an irresistible power. In the ancient world it played a part in public spectacle and was used by the Romans at gladiatorial contests. It evolved through medieval and Baroque times when Martin Luther converted popular folk melodies into hymns and ultimately the Lutheran hymn book was produced a... sort of melodic greatest hits of the day. It is hard to overstate the influence on the organ of JS Bach whose music is the finest ever written for the instrument giving it a distinctive living voice. Moving to modern times we look at how the Wurlitzer and Hammond B3 have brought organ music to new audiences and new generations. Goodall's journey takes him to gems of the organ world in Spain France Germany Holland and also in the USA to churches cathedrals castles and parks West Point Military Academy and to one of the wonders of the musical world in a Philadelphia department store! Ultimately Goodall examines the future of the traditional pipe organ in the face of competition in the digital age concluding that given its history and popularity there will always be a place for the magnificent and majestic original. [show more]

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