The Mormon Tabernacle Organ: An American Classic

This comprehensive volume traces the evolution of the world famed Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle organ from pioneer times to the present day. The author chronicles Joseph Ridges, the builder of the original Tabernacle organ, from his boyhood in England through his Australian years & his subsequent immigration to Salt Lake City carrying a previous pipe organ on an epic journey. Learn about the intriguing relationship of the old Boston Music Hall organ to Ridges' instrument on Temple Square. Observe American organ building trends in microcosm as Niels Johnson, Kimball, & Austin shaped the Tabernacle organ to the musical aesthetic of their times. Read the first hand accounts of G. Donald Harrison & Alexander Schreiner as they collaborated to produce the unique Aeolian Skinner organ of 1948. See the final result of this long succession of Tabernacle organs in the 1984-88 renovation - the fruition of a musical pilgrimage. There are numerous color & black & white photos throughout the book.