AGO Organ Registration & Tonal Design 3

Question 1

A 'Larigot' mutation stop sounds at which pitch level?

Accepted Answer

1 1/3'

Answer

The Larigot sounds at 1 1/3', which corresponds to the interval of a twelfth (octave plus a fifth) above the written pitch.

Question 2

Which stop is most appropriate for accompanying a soft choral anthem on a moderate-sized American organ?

Accepted Answer

8' Flute and 4' Flute on a secondary division

Answer

A soft 8' and 4' flute combination on a secondary manual provides gentle, blending support without overwhelming a choir.

Question 3

What is the effect of 'chorus coupling' (e.g., Swell to Great) when adding it to an established registration?

Accepted Answer

It adds the Swell division's stops to the Great keyboard output

Answer

A sub- or unison coupler routes the output of one division to another keyboard, effectively combining both divisions' registrations.

Question 4

In German Baroque terminology, 'Plenum' registration refers to:

Accepted Answer

The full principal chorus from 16' through mixtures, without reeds

Answer

The German Plenum consists of the complete principal chorus — foundations, octaves, super-octaves, and mixtures — but typically excludes reed stops.

Question 5

Which tonal family is characterized by narrow-scaled cylindrical pipes producing a thin, string-like quality?

Accepted Answer

String (Gamba) family

Answer

String stops such as the Gamba and Salicional use very narrow-scaled cylindrical flue pipes that emphasize upper harmonics, producing a thin, stringy tone.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test

AGO Organ Registration & Tonal Design 3