Organ Performance & Technique Flashcards

The practice of 'registration changes during a piece' on a mechanical tracker organ requires:

Answer: Planning in advance to change stops during rests or with an assistant

On tracker organs without combination pistons, stop changes require careful planning around musical rests or the assistance of a stop-puller.

What is the role of the 'Zimbelstern' or similar toy stops found on some historic organs?

Answer: A high-pitched percussion effect added for festive occasions

The Zimbelstern is a rotating wheel with bells that adds a tinkling, celebratory effect, used for festive music in historic German organ music.

In organ pedal technique, crossing the right foot over the left foot is most appropriate for:

Answer: Reaching notes that require the right foot to pass over the left foot's position

Crossing feet is used when the musical line requires it, though organists minimize crossings by preferring heel-toe technique when possible.

The AGO Service Playing Certificate (SPC) exam specifically tests a candidate's ability to:

Answer: Accompany congregational singing, play preludes, and sight-read hymns

The SPC is designed for practical church service playing, covering hymn accompaniment, anthem accompaniment, introductions, and sight reading.

What distinguishes a 'Gedackt' (or Stopped Flute) from an open flue pipe of the same pitch?

Answer: A Gedackt is stopped at the top, making it sound an octave lower than its physical length suggests

Stopped pipes are plugged at the top, causing them to behave acoustically as if twice their physical length, producing a softer, darker tone.

When realizing a figured bass at the organ (continuo playing), the performer should:

Answer: Improvise appropriate harmonies above the bass line guided by the figures

Continuo playing requires improvising full harmonies from the bass and its figures, supporting the ensemble while following the harmonic indications given.

Which of the following best describes the 'Orgelbewegung' (Organ Reform Movement) of the early 20th century?

Answer: A reform advocating a return to Baroque ideals of tonal clarity and mechanical action

The Orgelbewegung advocated rebuilding organs according to Baroque principles—tracker action, principal-based voicing, and clarity—reacting against Romantic excess.