Hymn Playing & Accompaniment Flashcards

What is a hymn descant in the context of choral/congregational accompaniment?

Answer: A high soprano countermelody sung or played above the congregation's melody

A descant is a high ornamental melody sung or played above the congregation's tune, typically on the final stanza.

When playing a hymn introduction, how many phrases are typically used for a standard four-phrase tune?

Answer: Play two phrases: the third and fourth (or just the final phrase)

Standard practice is to play the last one or two phrases of the tune so the congregation knows the pitch and tempo before singing.

In AGO examination hymn playing, how is the soprano melody typically distributed between the hands?

Answer: Soprano is played by the right hand's top notes, with alto in the right hand and tenor in the left

Standard four-part organ hymn texture places soprano and alto in the right hand, tenor in the left hand, and bass in the pedal.

Which rhythmic device is often used on the final chord of a hymn stanza to signal the end clearly to the congregation?

Answer: A fermata held briefly

A brief fermata on the final chord gives the congregation a clear, unified signal that the phrase has ended.

What is the term for the technique of beginning each phrase of a hymn with a brief silence (lifted hands) to create phrasing?

Answer: Phrase separation or 'breathing'

Phrase separation, often called 'breathing,' involves lifting the hands briefly between phrases to articulate the hymn's structure.

When accompanying a hymn in compound meter (e.g., 6/8), how should the organist feel the pulse?

Answer: In two broad beats per measure with triplet subdivision

Compound meters like 6/8 are felt in two broad beats at a singing tempo, with each beat divided into three.

Which organ division is most commonly used for a hymn tune played as a solo line while another manual provides chordal accompaniment?

Answer: Choir or Solo division with a distinctive stop like Trumpet or Oboe

The Choir or Solo division with a distinctive timbre such as Trumpet or Oboe creates a clear melodic solo above the accompaniment.