At the time of its early invention in the 3rdnd century B.C., the organ was associated with gladiator fights. Around the 8th century A.D. it became a popular instrument for crafting Western religious music. However, modern musicians have used the organ for a variety of reasons, some of them as surprising as they are compelling.
Marcel Dupre was an organist who followed in the Romantic French tradition but added a modern touch of improvisation. Over more than 2000 recitals, he developed impressive five-part-fugues which showed the ability of the organ to captivate modern listeners. Olivier Messiaen was another modern composer who transposed rhythms from Greek and Hindu sources to modern music to make a new and complex sound.
The melodramatic atmosphere of soap operas surprisingly made them a perfect fit for the majestic sound of the organ. Read the rest of this entry »