ORGANON: Contemporary Renaissance of Organ Music

The pipe organ is an instrument with a rich history spanning over two millennia. While often associated with sacred music, it has also played a significant role in secular settings. Despite its long-standing tradition, the organ has remained largely absent from contemporary music education and performance practices outside of religious contexts. This project aims to reposition the organ within the landscape of contemporary music by exploring its sonic possibilities, developing new repertoire, and creating educational materials to support composers and performers. One of the core challenges in contemporary organ composition is the instruments site-specific nature. Each organ is uniquely constructed, varying in size, number of manuals, stops, and acoustic environment. This lack of standardization makes it difficult for composers to write universally applicable works. Our research will address this challenge by systematically documenting organ techniques, exploring extended playing methods, and creating instructional materials that allow composers to navigate the instruments diverse possibilities. A significant component of this project is the integration of technological advancements into organ music. The team will examine hyper-organs and electronic augmentations, such as the Frescobaldi2a modular extension that enhances the traditional organ keyboard by increasing pitch flexibility. These innovations will be explored through experimental compositions and performances, expanding the expressive range of the instrument. The project will unfold over three years and involve an iterative process of composition, experimentation, and reflection. This will include collaborations with organists, composers, and researchers, as well as public presentations, concerts, and workshops. The results will be disseminated widely through online platforms, printed publications, and academic conferences, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. By bringing together historical knowledge, artistic research, and technological innovation, this project seeks to redefine the role of the organ in contemporary music. The outcomes will provide composers with new tools for engaging with the instrument, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to the broader discourse on instrumental development in the 21st century.