The initiation of the Organ Reform Movement is mostly credited to Albert Schweitzer, a multi-talented physician, missionary, philosopher, and organist. Schweitzer strongly advocated that the Alsatian Silbermann organ, with its combination of French and German sound, was the best organ for Bach. In addition to Schweitzer’s advocacy, there are records of Bach’s approval of the Silbermann organ. The organ-building world, around 1920, had also developed an interest in baroque organs thanks to the rebuilding of the influential Schnitger organ in Hamburg’s St. Jacobi Church. Schweitzer claimed that he did not initiate the movement, but he did not oppose its presence either. Regardless of the catalyst, the organ reform movement would lead many organ builders around Europe and America to focus on building “old” instruments with new technology. 

While this movement also existed in Denmark, it was more limited and came about in a different way. Cor Edskes, a Dutch organ builder, writes that he was urged by Dutch organist Johannes Legene to take a tour of Danish organs in 1946, which he did with Finn Videro. On the tour, Edskes witnessed the romantic style of organ building in full swing, but he nonetheless noted how well made the instruments were. Johannes Legene would proceed to invite organ builders Poid Gerhard and Sybrand Zachariassen to take a tour of Dutch organs because of the lack of historical organs in Denmark. When they returned, they were inspired to try the techniques for themselves and began to experiment with the neo-baroque style. In 1956, many were drawn to Denmark for Marcussen’s 50th anniversary jubilee. The guest list included almost all the famous participants in the Danish organ reform movement, and many, such as Marie-Claire Alain, were surprised by the high quality of the organs’ action. Alain would go on to make several recordings on Danish organs, citing their difference from the sound in France. Later in the movement, to fund the “Danish organ weeks” the event would form strong connections with Danish breweries which allowed the tradition to continue until the 1960’s, showcasing the ties across fields that the movement brought about in the small country.