The Influence of the Organ in History Inaugural Lecture of the Department of the Organ in the College of Music of Boston University

The inaugural address to a new university organ department offers a concise survey of the instrument’s long history. The speaker compares the organ to a monarch, outlining its early dominance in churches, courts, and early concerts before other forces began to share the musical stage. Illustrated with facsimiles of medieval psalters, Roman hydraulic models, and early regals, the talk brings rare visual material to life, showing how design changes reflected shifting tastes.

Avoiding heavy technical jargon, the lecturer weaves anecdotes about Peruvian pan pipes, African tomb finds, and evolving blowing techniques, highlighting the organ’s unexpected global links. Listeners—whether seasoned organists or curious music historians—gain fresh insight into an instrument often taken for granted, with a balance of scholarly detail and occasional humor that feels like a guided tour through a living museum. This recording provides an engaging entry point for anyone interested in the cultural and acoustic legacy of the “king of instruments.