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

"The Influence of the Organ in History" by Dudley Buck is a lecture that explores the organ's rich past and its impact on music through the ages. Written for students at Boston University's College of Music, the lecture aims to show the importance of the organ, often called the "king of instruments," and its role in shaping musical development. Buck starts by explaining the challenge of covering such a broad topic and promises to keep the discussion accessible, even for those new to the instrument. He plans to discuss the organ's beginnings, highlight its unique position among instruments, and trace the changes in its influence over time. The lecture is an invitation to understand how the organ has woven its way through different cultures and periods, leaving its mark on how music has been made and enjoyed.