“But what shall I do with my feet?” it is the anxious cry of a church musician or keyboardist who has just finished filling that empty spot on the organ bench. Although keyboards and their keyboards have long since replaced the organ and organist of yesteryear, many churches continue as an institution of worship, the organ leading services to those they love. As technology continues to advance, companies such as Allen Organ of Allentown, Pa., are creating a package of organ technology that is cutting edge by creating digital instruments. These state of the art organs demonstrate the majesty and pedaling of an organ with the flexibility of a synthesizer. This alone is an indication of the company’s continued need for skilled organ players. Not surprisingly, it is a common assumption among music enthusiasts music that anyone who plays well can play the organ. It is also true that many musicians, such as myself, become organists. After all, pianos and organs have similar keyboards, similar finger styles, and Western musical structure. But the tools and techniques used to perform them are surprisingly different from each other.
Touch the sweetness. The piano responds to the player’s touch; the sharper and faster they play the keys, the clearer and more intense the sound. On the other hand, organ keys are more like an on/off switch; whether you play hard or soft, you are the same volume and intensity of sound. Therefore, the musical expression must come through some means other than the fingers, such as through the use of the pedal voice or through the different registration of the organ through the music.
Registration. The organ can reproduce different sounds by changing the registration. Registration may include soft tones, high tones, brass tones, or string tones, depending on the make and model of the organ. Many instruments now have MIDI capability, making their sound banks as diverse as keyboards or synthesizers. But the piano has only one sound: namely, the piano sound. His style changes from changes in harmony, touch sensitivity, and the use of soft and sustain pedals.
Sustain pedals and finger replacements. A piano sustain pedal allows the player to hold down notes without holding down the keys. This is a great way to make difficult areas sound smooth, change the way a part is played, or change a musician’s finger when needed. But they rarely support an organ equipped with any kind of pedal. But the organist uses a technique called finger substitution to create a smooth, legacy effect. Finger substitutions can feel extremely awkward to a musician, but can be learned with practice. Sometimes, newer, more technologically advanced organs will have a sustain pedal setting that can be added to the pedals as needed, but is not always easily accessible.
Songs. On the piano, there are just 88 keys. And the organ has a pedal board (yes, this is what you do with your feet!) and two to four manual keyboards. It is difficult to make the transition from a single row of keys on a piano to a multi-hand organ. Add in the pedals, and the organist adds a layer of mental and physical multi-ception that the musician does not. But with practice, lessons, and diligence, a good musician can become a good organist. And it’s about more than just the feet.
