Exploring Medieval and Tudor Organs in Early English Church Music
The organ is one of the most majestic and influential instruments in the history of English church music. Organs dominated the musical fabric of worship, ceremony and sacred music throughout England, from the solemn sounds in medieval cathedrals to the rich harmonies in Tudor chapels. The history of medieval and Tudor organs tells not only of the development of musical skills, but of cultural, religious and artistic alterations in English church life over many years. The Roots Of Organ Music In England In the medieval era with the need of sacred chants and liturgical ceremonies in the churches of Europe, the first organs appeared. Between 10th and 15th centuries early church organs grew in significance in England. They were very primitive in comparison with contemporary organs but they had a loud sound that filled the big stone cathedrals and monasteries. The organ soon came to be synonymous with: · ...