Albert Schweitzer and the Organ presentation by James Welch

Many things could be said about Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)—he was a theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. He was most famous for his years of selfless work as a medical doctor in French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon).

But for us organists, Schweitzer holds a particularly important place in history. It was Schweitzer who published the first American edition of Bach’s organ works. This he did in eight volumes between 1911 and 1967; many of us learned from those editions. He was one of the major forces in the Organ Reform Movement in the early 20th century. And it was Schweitzer who made the first sound recordings of the works of Bach, starting in 1936.

For decades he was the most famous organist in the world. James Welch wrote his doctoral dissertation at Stanford University on Schweitzer and the organ. He also traveled on several occasions to France to visit Schweitzer’s hometown and to play the organs Schweitzer had recorded.

Come learn more about this remarkable but sometimes controversial figure in the history of the organ. There will be slides, recordings, and live organ music. All are welcome to attend this presentation.