Organists and Organ Playing in Nineteenth-Century France and Belgium

Book excerpt: The art of the organist in nineteenth-century France and Belgium is a rags-to-riches story full of extraordinary problems and changes. Devastated by the French Revolution, the organ profession rose from desperate circumstances to a period of remarkable brilliance. By the end of the nineteenth century, organ playing was enthusiastically applauded and had been thoroughly integrated in the musical life of Paris. This account is not just a record of stellar events and famous names: it includes failures, all-but-forgotten musicians, and unexpected encounters. In a carefully documented study that is both scholarly and engaging. Orpha Ochse traces three major aspects of the organist's art: the development of the secular recital, the organist as church musician, and the education of organists. In addition to presenting a comprehensive view of the organ profession in France and Belgium throughout the period, she offers a new perspective on nineteenth-century music in general.