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The organ - this is how the largest instrument in the world works!
Foto: Viktor Mogilat (pexels)
One of the most impressive and largest instruments available to musicians is the organ. The complex inner-workings along with the multitude of pipes and stops make the organ a true masterpiece of engineering. But how does it actually work exactly and what makes it so special? In this article, we would like to peek behind the scenes of the organ and take a closer look at how it works. Whether as an accompaniment in church or as a solo instrument on the concert stage, the organ has been an integral part of our musical world for centuries.
Table of Contents
What makes the organ so unique as an instrument
The organ is a unique instrument due to its size, sound spectrum and complex functioning. It is the largest musical instrument in the world and, depending on its size and construction, can have several thousand pipes. A stream of air makes the pipes vibrate, producing the organ's distinctive sound. The action is very complex and consists of numerous stops that allow the organist to create different timbres and tunings. As a result, the organ is capable of serving a wide range of musical styles and can simulate sounds of other instruments. But the history of the organ is also very exciting.
For centuries, the organ has played an important role in the liturgy and was used by many famous composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart in their works. The organ is therefore also inextricably linked with the history of music and has remained fascinating to this day. In addition, it has also found its place in concert music and is often used as a solo instrument. There the organ can unfold its full sound splendor and impresses with its imposing appearance and majestic sound—more on that later.
This is how the organ is built from the church
An organ consists of many different components, all of which are coordinated to produce the unique sound. The most important components are the pipes, which are built in different sizes and materials. They are arranged in stops that can produce different timbres. At the "console," the organist can activate the different stops with the help of pull-out knobs to produce the desired sound. Since organs usually have several keyboards on top of each other and additional foot pedals, each of these elements can be assigned its own sound and thus produce different sounds at the same time.
To ensure that the pipes are also supplied with sufficient air, the organ requires a complex system of wind chests, bellows, and wind ducts. These ensure that the air is directed to the pipes and thus the desired sound is produced. The mechanics required to open and close the pipes are also very complex and consist of many perfectly-tailored individual parts. In the past, the air was still fed into the organ by hand with a bellows. Today, this is all done electronically.
In church music, the organ is often used as an accompanying instrument to support the congregation's singing. The size and construction of organs can vary greatly, depending on the size of the church and the requirements of the congregation. They also require a lot of maintenance, even though they are still used regularly in most congregations' worship today.
More tips and hints on playing technique
The organ is not only in exciting in church, but also when it comes to independent playing. However, in addition to its enormous size, the organ also has a steep learning curve. It is therefore all the more important to better understand the playing techniques and to be on the safe side when starting out. The following tips can help you to improve your skills:
- Piano basics: If you already know how to play the piano, you have an advantage, as the basic playing techniques are similar. If you have not played the piano before, professional lessons are the best way to approach the organ.
- Foot Pedal Technique: One of the biggest challenges in playing the organ is using the foot pedals. Practice foot technique regularly and make sure to keep your feet flat and relaxed. Special techniques and exercises will let you improve your pedal skills.
- Hand and finger technique: The way you press the keys of an organ is different from that of a piano. Organ sounds continue as long as the key is pressed. Therefore, it is important to practice legato techniques to improve your pressing and holding.
- Registration and timbres: Organs have a variety of stops and timbres that you can use to create different soundscapes. Therefore, experiment with different stops and combinations in your musical styles.
- Articulation and phrasing: Pay attention to the articulation and phrasing of your music. Organ music often requires special attention to the shaping of lines and motives to ensure clarity and expressiveness, and to emphasize the sounds well.
This is how the organ developed as a concert instrument
The organ as a concert instrument has undergone a remarkable development over time. Originally used primarily in churches and monasteries, composers in the Baroque period began to use the organ for solo works and as part of orchestral works. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the organ experienced a further renaissance and was increasingly used in concert music. This resulted in impressive symphonic organ works that fully exploited the instrument's variety of sound and expressive possibilities. César Franck, Louis Vierne, Charles-Marie Widor, Marcel Dupré, and Olivier Messiaen left their mark on organ concert music and are still very well known among experts today.
Modern organ concerts often take place in large concert halls or special organ halls designed specifically for the acoustic requirements of the instrument. Here, the majestic sounds of the organ come into their own, and the audience can fully enjoy the interplay of timbres and musical motifs. In the 21st century, the organ remains a fascinating instrument that serves both traditional and contemporary musical styles. New compositions and modern playing techniques help to ensure that the organ remains a true classic.
Restoration of organs—why it's becoming more rare
Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that many organs have been neglected in recent decades or are in poor condition due to lack of financial resources and maintenance. Restoring an organ is a costly and time-consuming undertaking that requires expertise and care. Additionally, many congregations can no longer afford to maintain and restore their organs, and experienced organ builders aren't exactly a dime a dozen.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts in many regions of the world to preserve and thoroughly restore historic organs. In addition, the importance of organs as cultural heritage and part of music history is increasingly recognized. Some organ restorations have become true success stories, gaining both local and international notoriety. These projects show that it is possible to preserve valuable organs for the future and, at the same time, to attract new enthusiasts to this impressive and beautiful instrument today.
Where can you still learn to play the organ today?
As we've discussed, the organ is an extremely rare and predominantly historical instrument. But for some musicians, this is exactly the attraction to get more involved with the organ. However, playing such a large instrument is a real challenge, since not everyone has their own organ. Nevertheless, there are of course ways to enjoy playing the organ even today. Here are some options for sharpening your organ skills:
- Music schools: Many music schools offer organ lessons. Here you can learn from qualified teachers and prepare yourself for playing this impressive instrument. It's best to find out in advance if your music school offers organ lessons.
- Private teachers: Some organists offer private lessons to pass on their knowledge and skills to students. An online search or an inquiry at local churches or concert halls can help you find a teacher.
- Churches: Some parishes have organists who are willing to teach students how to play the organ. For this purpose, it is best to ask your local church if there is a chance to practice and play the organ.
- Colleges and Universities: Some colleges and universities offer degree programs or courses on the organ. If you want to pursue a more in-depth study of organ playing, this could be a great option for you. Find out about your study options in advance.
- Online courses and tutorials: With the digitization of education, there are now many online courses and tutorials for learning to play the organ. If you prefer to learn at your own pace, this could be an appealing route for your organ-learning journey.
Learn more about the organ and its special features now!
Already know how to play the piano and now you want to take the next steps? Then the organ is the right choice for you. Feel free to check out our other articles on learning the piano as well as the many types of keyboards. There you will learn more about the basics of the most popular keyboard instruments. After that, you'll have a good foundation that you can use for the organ as well. Here at mukken, we'll be happy to keep you up to date on this. In this respect, we are happy to accompany you as a musician on your journey through the instruments on the blog.
Originally published on May 19, 2023, updated on May 19, 2023
Main topic: Billie Eilish and the tragic
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