A Fortunate Rivalry: The Installation and History of Pipe Organs in Three Churches in Natchez, Mississippi

Identifier

1273

Author

Sharon Lynn Rouse

Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Music

Major

Music

Concentration

Musicology

Committee Chair

Dr. Kenneth Kreitner

Committee Member

Dr. Janet Page

Committee Member

Dr. John D. Peterson

Abstract

In the 1920s three large Möller pipe organs were installed within a three-block radius in three historic churches in Natchez, Mississippi, a small, eclectic town on the Mississippi River. What was the catalyst that resulted in a seemingly extravagant use ofresources? Through information available in church archives, newspapers, books, journals, and documentsfrom organ companies, this study traces the historyof the organs and suggests possible reason for their original installation. The factors influencing thepurchases include the geography of Natchez, the location fo the churches, savvy salesmen, and a healthy competition among the church congregations. An overview of the people who factored in these decisions at the time, also reflects the desire of the people of Natchez to bring music to their city.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Recommended Citation

Rouse, Sharon Lynn, "A Fortunate Rivalry: The Installation and History of Pipe Organs in Three Churches in Natchez, Mississippi" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1071.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/1071