Organ Technique: A Basic Course of Study

Here is an organ method & anthology with a difference. In the author's clear & systematic presentation manuals & pedals are used together from the starts, & ornaments are explained as they occur in the music. Finger substitution is postponed until the student understands simple fingering problems, finger crossing, & contraction & expansion. A unique feature of this book is the author's precise rationale for phrasing & articulation. The teaching pieces used not only fulfill technical needs but also supply the student with some knowledge of the historic development of the organ & its music during the late Renaissance & early baroque periods. Contents: Unit I • Attack & release in manuals • Legato • Playing the pedals: Alternate toes, white keys only Unit 2 • Finger independence • Finger extension & contraction • Basic rules for ornamentation • Alternate toes, black & white keys • Basic concepts of organ mechanics • Classification of organ stops • Couplers • Combination pistons • Crescendo & expression pedals • Registration Unit 3 • Basic rules for playing polyphonic music • A brief introduction to the history & development of organ literature • Further remarks concerning ornaments • Toe & hell • Scale wise passages in the pedal • Scale passages, manual & pedal • The chorale prelude • A brief consideration of the Ecclesiastical modes Unit 4 • Finger crossing • Frescobaldi & the Italian organ • Absolute intervals for pedal Unit 5 • Finger substitution • Absolute intervals in pedals continued: Black & white keys Unit 6 • Finger & thumb glissandos • The chorale fughetta & fugue • The French school of organ playing • The Venetian school • The Orgelbuchlein of Bach • Pedal glissandos • Pedal substitution Unit 7 • Phrasing & articulation • A further consideration of Baroque ornamentation & more