A presentation by Dr. Robert Bates (Professor of Organ at the University of Houston) on the development of the organ in France during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. His lecture is based on his own trascriptions of more than 150 French contracts and work orders from the period. Of particular interest is his discussion of the emergence of national characteristics of organ building that have continued in France up to the present day. Presented on October 25, 2016. www.rider.edu/organ