The history of the organ: From Latin origins to the modern age

The organ is one of the oldest and most magnificent musical instruments known to man. Since the early fifteenth century, its history is closely linked to the religious environment in which it was created. In the seven episodes, we visit churches in Italy, Spain, France, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland and view the work of Europe's great organ builders. Leading organists demonstrate the magnificent range and beauty of the sound of this complex instrument, from 16th-century compositions to contemporary masterpieces, including works by de Cabézon, Frescobaldi, Couperin, Sweelinck, Buxtehude, Bach, Widor and Messiaen. The organ is one of the oldest and most splendid musical instruments known to man. Since the early fifteenth century, its history has been closely linked to the religious environment in which it originated. In the seven episodes we visit churches in Italy, Spain, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland and look at the work of the great organ builders of Europe. Leading organists demonstrate the great breadth and beauty of the sound of this complex instrument, from 16th-century compositions to contemporary masterpieces, including works by de Cabézon, Frescobaldi, Couperin, Sweelinck, Buxtehude, Bach, Widor and Messiaen.