Organs: Technology and Technique for LDS Organists
Understanding and Mastering Pipe (and Electric) Organs: Technology and Technique for LDS Organists by Irvin T. Nelson Copyright 2001, 2006, 2009 by Irvin T. Nelson 225 N. 100 E., Smithfield, UT 84335 Making unaltered copies for non-commercial use is permitted. All other rights reserved. This and other materials may be downloaded free at: www.irvnelsonmusic.com Draft 2.1; January 1, 2009 Preface The pipe organ is the fundamental musical instrument of the Church. No other instrument can even begin to match its utility and power for accompanying the Hymns of the Restoration. A well-played organ enables and assists the Spirit in touching the hearts of the Saints. There is a shortage of qualified, trained organists in the Church, and this scarcity appears to be growing. Nearly all LDS chapels have organs, many of which are of reasonably good quality, and a precious few of which are real pipe organs. However, in many wards, there are few or no qualified organists who have been trained to get the most out of these marvelous instruments. It is a tragic waste when a very expensive pipe organ is underutilized simply because the organist doesn’t know what the buttons, levers, and knobs do, and how to get a good sound for a particular hymn. Similarly, the electric organ, which is a fine instrument in its own right, is often underutilized for the same reason. This manuscript is written for pianists who want to learn the organ. Without information and training, even excellent pianists are sometimes poor organists. This is not due to a lack of talent, but simply because of the following three factors: 1.
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