Mozart called it the king of the instruments, Schumann recommended to learn to play it to achieve more understanding about the power of music, most of the great composers played and wrote works for it. What makes the organ being so extremely apart of all other musical instruments and containing at the same time the power of expression of all these together?
At this point we could not fail to mention the great master Johann Sebastian Bach, who plays the leading role in the music history as an organist of unlimited abilities and as a supreme composer of works for all styles and musical forms. Bach set the fundament of harmonic, chromatic and highly developed contrapuntal structure in all kind of composition. Bach’s prolific attitude toward a great artistic expression led him to improve existing musical forms, creating an innovative way of composing through unfatiguing exploration of original patterns and models. His virtuosity as an organist and improviser definitely influenced his composing style.
The magnificent sound of the organ offers a great variety of harmonic structures, particularly when the use of the pipes through wind reproduces different timbres and volume. Another characteristic of the organ is given by the manuals and the pedalboard. The player is using them separated or in combination with each other, depending on the requirements of the music score.
But the inherent polyphony, which is produced by the pipes sounding simultaneously, can be considered as the real nature of the organ.
The richness of that polyphonic timbre should be the source of inspiration for the study at the piano. We cannot forget that the piano has a close relationship to the organ, even though reduced to one keyboard and three pedals which are only working in direct connection with the sound. But the harmonic structure and the tone extension of our instrument allow us to be able to imitate the organ sound, not only by taking care of a specific touch technique as tenuto and legato but also developing a polyphonic playing.
Play Bach, listen to the organ, and your piano playing will be improving to a higher level…
sounds great keep up the good work!
It looks like the video has been removed, unfortunately.
Is there an alternate location where we can see it? Loved your description!
“The magnificent sound of the organ offers a great variety of harmonic structures”
Very true and all are great artists. Mozart I’m most familiar with from grade 10 music of all courses. I’m even thinking to use his music in an iPad app tha I may develop at some point.
Thanks for the listen to hear someone other than Mozart.
Did you know that the embedded youtube video at the bottom of this post has been removed by the user? Please replace with another organ piece. If you want, I have a couple of favorites that I can share with you. let me know thanks.
I like what you said here “The magnificent sound of the organ offers a great variety of harmonic structures,” You just have to look how the organ is now days utilised… From church music, to pop even to Metal. Bach was such an influence on music and I think he’s still to this day influencing the evolving genres of today.
Would love to hear your take on how the use of the organ has evolved.
There is nothing quite like the power of sound that comes from an organ. This is especial true in the larger churches of the world. Yet, it can still sound intimate at times. First stop learning how to play the piano properly then maybe on to the organ?
Ian
Webmaster – car insurance quote.
Thank you for your comments about this article. They are all very much appreciated. Sorry for the inconvenience about the missing video. A new one has been placed instead of it. Please feel free to further express your opinion.
@Ian Wright, you’re right. There’s nothing quite like the sound of an organ in a church. Going to a church that has no organ music feels…well, it makes me feel incomplete. Personally I prefer the live music to anything taped. I myself know little ’bout how to play the instrument, but I surely would love to learn!
Gilbert Arelleano
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Beautiful article. I’ve always found the organ to have a really haunting quality, and the orchestral sound of just one note is just so far removed from the “starkness” of a single piano note (to my ears anyway)…Interestingly I have an 11 year old daughter who specially asked to learn the organ even though she had the choice of any instrument…
Anyway, thanks for a great take on this most interesting instrument.
Blaine
http://www.rewardingkids.com/
“Bach set the fundament of harmonic, chromatic and highly developed contrapuntal structure in all kind of composition. Bach’s prolific attitude toward a great artistic expression led him to improve existing musical forms, creating an innovative way of composing through unfatiguing exploration of original patterns and models.”
I have to admit that I was never much of a fan of the Organ until I heard some of the compositions by Bach. He was a true master and completely changed my outlook on the classics. I can honestly say that I never really appreciated what music could be until I started listening to Bach.
When you talk about big names such as Mozart, Schumann and Bach, there will only be one thing that reverberates in your mind, and that is the sound of the organ playing. These masters of music have started and honed their talents with the help of organs. They rose to stardom and gave everyone inspiration to start learning and loving music. This is why, up until now there are still many music lovers who would prefer to play with the organ to be able to express their love and passion for music.
today music is habit of everybody. they can listen very powerfully sound with full bass
What in the world happened again? The new video you’re saying was deleted again? Post other video please, specially the one Bach did. I’m not that familiar with Him. I only knew Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann.. And the new ones. I only knew one piece and not sure if it’s from Bach, The Bach Alive?
Iahn – Artist
West Palm Beach Web Design
Please, check the new video posted on the actual cover. Thank you.
Bach’s organ music is timeless and remains inspirational, as is the organ in general. Although I have no keyboard talent, my son does. Although he has made a living from dance music for the past 12 years or so, he was playing some Bach by ear in his early teens. I think those with genuine talent will always find inspiration both in Bach and the organ.
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I am very fond of music. And I really like playing the piano. In my opinion, the music of the piano or violin is very melodious and beautiful. I think the magnificent sound of the organ offers a great variety of harmonic structures. Very true and all are great artists.
Thanks for the tips. But the sound of organ is more complicated than piano. More beautiful and so classic. But I will try listening to organ’s sounds. I hope it really can improve my piano skills.
Hi Roberta
Pity the video has been deleted. I was inspired by your short post so I did some Youtube searching and found some great stuff.
You will know this one. Fantastic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?src_vid=ipzR9bhei_o&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_78634&v=ATbMw6X3T40
Peter at ZQuiet