AGO Organ Performance & Technique 2

Question 1

What is the primary function of a swell box on a pipe organ?

Accepted Answer

To enclose pipes behind shutters that open and close to control volume

Answer

A swell box encloses a division of pipes behind wooden shutters (jalousies) operated by the swell pedal, allowing dynamic control.

Question 2

In organ technique, 'finger substitution' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Replacing a finger mid-note to facilitate legato playing

Answer

Finger substitution silently replaces one finger with another on a held key, enabling smooth legato without retacking the key.

Question 3

Which pedal technique involves the heel and toe of the same foot alternating on adjacent pedal notes?

Accepted Answer

Heel-toe substitution

Answer

Heel-toe technique on one foot alternates heel and toe for smooth melodic lines or scale passages in the pedalboard.

Question 4

The term 'terraced dynamics' in Baroque organ music refers to:

Accepted Answer

Abrupt changes between loud and soft by adding or subtracting stops

Answer

Baroque organs lacked swell boxes, so dynamics were achieved through abrupt registration changes rather than gradual swells.

Question 5

What is 'thumb under' technique primarily used for on the organ?

Accepted Answer

It is actively discouraged in organ playing

Answer

Unlike piano, organ playing discourages thumb-under technique because lifting fingers breaks the essential organ legato.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test