The Evolution of the
Early English
Organ
Progress, usage and repertoire before 1660
about the author
Keith A Morgan
Keith Morgan was born in Oswestry and raised in the Welsh borderlands. His lifelong passion for both music and history has shaped a career that bridges education, performance, and scholarship. After earning an Honours degree in History from the University of Wales, Keith dedicated over twenty-five years to education, serving as Director of Music at several schools and later as Headmaster of a boarding school in North Wales.
Choral conducting and church music have always been central to his professional life. At the turn of the millennium, Keith left full-time teaching to focus on performance and musical research. In retirement, he turned his attention to writing, completing five fellowship dissertations before embarking on The Evolution of the Early English Organ, the first part of a two-volume study. The forthcoming second volume will continue the story through to the mid-nineteenth century.
When not researching or writing, Keith enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, travelling, attending concerts and theatre productions, and following sports, though now, as he puts it, “from a more sedentary position.”
The Evolution of the Early English Organ
Welcome to the Official Site of Keith Morgan
Author, musician, and historian of English organ music
The Evolution of the Early English Organ is a comprehensive study of one of Britain’s most fascinating musical traditions. Combining meticulous historical research with a deep musical understanding, Keith Morgan traces the story of the English organ from its medieval origins through to the turbulent years of the Reformation and the Commonwealth.
This book is an essential read for anyone passionate about music history, early instruments, and the cultural evolution of worship. Whether you are a scholar, performer, or simply intrigued by the heritage of English music, you will find this study an illuminating journey through sound, craftsmanship, and faith.
Stay connected for updates on the forthcoming second volume, covering the organ’s continued development up to the mid-nineteenth century.
book trailer
about the book
The Evolution of the Early English Organ offers a detailed exploration of the instrument’s development, use, and repertoire in England prior to 1660. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including manuscripts, church records, and early music collections, Keith Morgan presents a thorough examination of the organ’s role in religious and cultural life before the Restoration.
The book traces the organ’s journey from its ancient origins to its establishment in English worship, from the monumental instruments of Winchester to the refined chamber organs of the Tudor and early Stuart eras. Through carefully compiled tables, illustrations, and musical quotations, Morgan reveals how craftsmanship, evolving musical styles, and shifting religious ideologies shaped the organ’s design and purpose.
Part historical narrative, part technical study, and part musical analysis, this volume illuminates how the organ moved from grand ecclesiastical contexts to more intimate secular settings. The appendices offer an invaluable catalogue of surviving evidence, making this work a significant resource for musicians, historians, and enthusiasts of early English music alike.
