On the Position of Organs in Churches

Extract

In a time like the present when so many new churches are built, the great majority of which are furnished with organs, it cannot but be a question of exceptional interest to all who are mixed up with church architecture or church music to find out the best position in such buildings to be occupied by the organ. Nor is the problem an easy one to solve, on account of the great number of more or less extraneous considerations which enter into the subject. Besides which, it is just one of those matters concerning which it is impossible to lay down any one great, general law which shall apply to every case. So many mistakes are continually made, however, and so much jealous difference of judgment exists between the organ builders and the architects, that it may be useful, and also (possibly) entertaining, to discuss the whole question from various aspects in such a paper as the present. It is, therefore, proposed to treat of the subject: (1) Historically; (2) From a consideration of Continental practice; and (3) With special reference to English places of worship at the present time.