The subject of this course is the study of pipe organs as artifacts (ars artefacta) and the process of making organs (ars artefaciens). While some overlap of content is unavoidable, the detailed study of historical styles of organs and schools of organ building as they relate to the extant inherited repertoire will be left to succeeding Organ Literature courses in the curriculum sequence.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The principal objective of this course is for students to gather and sharpen the interpretive tools necessary to participate in the vast Tradition of organ art, which is the making and playing of organs. Such interpretation may be understood in three categories: (1) the descriptive, (2) the analytical, and (3) the normative:
- …instruments must be described thoroughly and accurately. We must learn to look and listen free from the prejudice that so often blinds [and deafens] us to the true value or lack of value in the [organs] we encounter around us.
- …organs must be analyzed, both in terms of their own intrinsic value, an as…instruments that stand in a context, …instruments that are not unrelated to those of earlier times, and that will provide some clues as to the shape of stylistic development in the future.
- Finally, judgments must be formed as to the relative strengths and weaknesses of various facets of the organ Tradition.
Therefore, (1) students will become familiar with the formal and material components of organs, acquiring a vocabulary for and facility in describing and explaining these physical characteristics—but in relation to what is truly perceived by the senses.
(2) Students will apply these descriptive powers in both critical and stylistic analysis of existing organs.
(3) Students will form and articulate careful, informed judgments of value concerning particular organs and organs in general. Additionally, students will acquire a rudimentary knowledge about the care and maintenance of organs, and will learn how to relate their knowledge of the instrument to others seeking this knowledge.
METHODOLOGY
We will approach these objectives through a variety of means:
A. Required Readings
- Please prepare a Reading or Topic Outline each week to help you organize your thoughts and participate in class discussions
- Prepare two (2) copies, one to turn in at the beginning of class, and one for you to use for discussion
- Please prepare and continually update a Bibliography on topics related to this course, to be turned in at the end of the semester.
- Quiz
- Guided discussion of required readings
- Media presentations
- Lectures / Demonstrations
- September 24-25 (see Schedule of Classes and Assignments)
- During scheduled class times
- Locations TBA, but possibly:
- KU Campus
- Kansas City, KS; Kansas City, MO; Independence, MO
- Overland Park, KS; Prairie Village, KS; Leawood, KS
- Topeka
- Within the scope of your current knowledge base, thoroughly document an organ of your choice, including detailed information on
- Pipework
- Wind system
- Windchest and actions
- Case and placement
- Tonal design and specification
Attendance and Participation
Weekly Reading or Topic Outline—Due beginning of each class
Bibliography— Due Dec. 3
Organ Documentary—Due Dec. 3
Weekly Quizzes (not graded)
Exam I (Organ Building; in-class)—Oct. 8
Exam II (Organ Design Essay; take-home)—Due Nov. 19
Final Exam—Dec. 13-17 (Date and Time TBA)
BASIS FOR EVALUATION
Attendance and Participation—15%
Weekly Reading/Topic Outlines—15%
Bibliography—10%
Organ Documentation –10%
Exam I—15%
Exam II—15%
Final Exam—20%
