AGO Organ Performance & Technique 3

Question 1

Which manual is typically the most powerful division on a classical American organ?

Accepted Answer

Great

Answer

The Great manual houses the principal chorus and most powerful stops, serving as the foundation of the organ's sound.

Question 2

A 'mutation stop' such as a Nasard (2⅔') sounds at:

Accepted Answer

A twelfth (octave plus a fifth) above written pitch

Answer

The Nasard at 2⅔' sounds a twelfth (compound fifth) above written pitch, reinforcing an upper partial of the harmonic series.

Question 3

When preparing for an AGO examination, what does 'sight reading' typically require of an organ candidate?

Accepted Answer

Playing an unseen piece with pedals, at a moderate tempo, with basic accuracy

Answer

AGO sight reading tests the ability to perform an unfamiliar piece on the organ, including pedal part, with musical competence.

Question 4

The coupler 'Swell to Great' causes:

Accepted Answer

Swell stops to sound when Great keys are played

Answer

Swell to Great coupler adds the Swell division's sounding pipes to the Great manual, enriching its tonal resources.

Question 5

Which articulation technique creates a slight separation between notes without fully detaching them, common in Baroque organ playing?

Accepted Answer

Non-legato

Answer

Non-legato articulation creates a subtle space between notes, considered a natural default touch for much Baroque organ repertoire.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test