Here, for the first time in a single volume, is a comprehensive study of registrational practices from circa 1550 to 1800. Each of the four parts of the book - the Renaissance and the Early, High, and Late Baroque - starts with a brief description of the political and religious climate of the period and the way it affected organ building and the music composed at the time.

Within each historical period, Owen provides for each country a list of the active composers and information about representative organs, including their locations, dates, builders, and stoplists. She then discusses the registrational practices in each area in relation to contemporary musical styles and forms, referring to sources such as scores and treatises.

In light of the historical evidence, Owen advises organists on adapting the earlier principles and practices to modern instruments in order to perform Baroque organ works in a style appropriate to their period and region. With its comprehensive geographic, historical, and musicological approach, The Registration of Baroque Organ Music will long remain an invaluable reference - and source of delight - for all organists.