History
& Origin
The word "organ" originated from the Greek word „organon“ as well as the Latin word „organum“, which initially simply meant „tool“ or „instrument“.
It was only in the late Roman times that the word organ started to define this particular musical instrument.
During the migration period (barbarian invasions), the organ disappeared completely in the Occident, surviving only in the Eastern Roman Empire and the Arab world.
In the year 757, Emperor Charles the Great received an organ as a present from the Byzantine Emperor Constantine V. In order to copy this precious and unusual gift, priest George from Venice, known for his knowledge of antique organ building, was called upon. Previously a symbol of heathendom, the organ started to be accepted in the Christian churches; the first organs were found in Aachen, Strassbourg and Winchester. The portatif (latin: portare, to carry) organ, a small, portable organ was used next to other well known types such as the positif and the great organ. The portatif was sometimes also used in churches to accompany the choir, but mainly it was seen as a mundane instrument for traveling musicians. Its vast popularity diminished after a few centuries and then disappeared completely.
The Positif (latin: ponere, to stand) is a small, stationary organ with one keyboard. It was very popular in the palaces of aristocrats and homes of rich merchants. It was only in the 18th century that it was replaced by the harpsichord. Unlike the portatif, two people were needed to play the positif, one organist playing with two hands and a helper (Kalkant) using the bellows.
The positif survived as a so called back-positiv of the large church organs as well as a Cabinet and Chamber organ worldwide.