Triumphs & Trials of an Organ Builder
PREFACE
There are several reasons for my writing this book.
First, I want to completely answer those who have often asked me, "How on earth did you get into the organ business?"
Second, there is so much "fabricated or improvised" history now being spread throughout the organ industry that there is a desperate need for some sober truth.
Although I admit to having been reticent in the past some might even say monastically discreet now want to speak out loudly and clearly.
Because I have been blessed with 50 years of influencing the "recent" history of organ building, I have much to say about the organ industry based on firsthand knowledge.
Indeed, if I could say everything I wanted to say, it would fill several books.
Yet, I don't want to meander.
Therefore, I have made every effort to speak effectively in order to provide the reader with useful, meticulously-researched, accurate information about some recent history of the organ industry from my unique vantage point.
Third, my years as an American businessman exposed me to problems typical of the problems being faced by other businessmen today.
I feel that sharing my experience in dealing with these problems may help those facing similar problems.
And lastly, for the broader audience, I believe the book may also appeal to those who simply want to extend their knowledge into the mysterious world of organ building.
However, don't expect to find long, detailed, highly-technical dissertations about how organs work.
That is not the purpose of the book.
The book is aimed mainly at the human interest side of the story; I hope it will be easily read, easily understood, as well as entertaining.
The beginning chapters of the book are organized chronologically while later chapters are more topical.
The chapters may be thought of as a collection of essays each one substantially independent of the others in subject matter and style.
Although it would be best to read the chapters sequentially, feel free to jump around.
|