Landmarks in twentieth century organ music, with particular reference to Messiaen

Abstract

This thesis, as the title will indicate, is not intended as a survey of 20th Century organ music, but rather as a discussion of what the writer considers to be the most significant contributions in this field. Emphasis has accordingly been placed on those works by outstanding 20th Century composers who have made their mark in other spheres of composition, and to whom the organ is only one of several available media for musical expression. In the case of Flor Peeters, Marcel Dupré and other composers who are important figures in contemporary organ literature but who are comparatively unknown to the musical public in general, it has seemed advisable to make a few general observations on their works, rather than attempt a detailed study of individual compositions, of interest, perhaps, to organists only. The greater part of this thesis, however, has been devoted to Messiaen who is seen as the key figure in the organ music of our time, and an attempt has been made to trace a line of development through his works.