The purpose of this dissertation is to compile an anthology of organ literature that serves as both a repertoire and study guide for each included piece, suitable for any undergraduate organ literature class. This dissertation will present the pedagogical and historical justifications for the selected repertoire and offer a detailed rationale for the project. Understanding the rich traditions in organ literature is challenging without a fundamental knowledge of the history of organ music. Music score anthologies are essential in undergraduate music studies. However, at present, there is a notable absence of anthologies specifically designed for organ literature classes. This anthology seeks to fill this void by providing students with straightforward access to diverse musical works, complemented by detailed background information and supplementary resources. To ensure complete accessibility, all musical examples are presented with newly edited full scores.

This study is unique as the basic research acknowledges the chorale prelude as a genre in South Africa. The compilation of a catalogue of organ chorale preludes by South African composers is also a first and important contribution to the knowledge of this genre. The history of the organ in South Africa is an integral part of this study and offers a background and context for the research on this specific category of music. Knowledge of the contributions to this genre in South Africa is however limited because the available literature on these topics is dated. Due to the restricted publishing opportunities in South Africa, works are unpublished or informally published and not re-printed or even published in other countries. All available literature was thoroughly researched whereafter there was a need to extrapolate the unsatisfactory data with the primary research. Many composers and organ specialists were approached and different library collections were consulted. The church plays a key role in the history of the organ in South Africa, and this results in the fact that most organ repertoire, by South African composers, is liturgical (church) music. Unfortunately, knowledge of early compositions is unknown and the first documented chorale preludes date from the late 19th and early 20th century. It is only since the middle of the 20th century that South African composers have been actively contributing to the genre reaching a climax during 2010 and 2011 when two volumes of chorale preludes were published by the Suider-Afrikaanse Kerkorrelistevereniging (SAKOV). 1170 Chorale preludes by 78 composers are catalogued with a chronological discussion of the key works, with reference to different styles and forms, as a well-developed genre. / Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Music / unrestricted