6
and a coupler. Please note that the softest stops and flute mutations are normally not used with
ensembles.
FULL ORGAN
Due to the immense capabilities of the organ, every stop and coupler on the instrument could be
used simultaneously without distortion, if the organ is adjusted properly. In good registration
practice, however, the organist would not haphazardly put on every stop on the instrument. For
best results, listen and include only those stops that really contribute to the fullness and brilliance
of the ensemble. Eliminate soft stops and solo stops that make no purposeful contribution.
This short treatment barely scratches the surface of the fascinating subject of organ registration.
For those interested in gaining further insight into this vital area of organ playing, we
recommend the following texts:
Audsley, George Ashdown.
Organ Stops and their Artistic Registration
.
Hialeah, FL: C.P.P. Belwin, 1985.
Irwin, Stevens.
Dictionary of Pipe Organ Stops.
2nd ed.
New York: Macmillan Books, 1983.
VI. TRANSPOSER
Vast computer capability makes it possible to perform the sometimes difficult task of
transposing, while allowing the organist to play in the notated key. The Console Controller™
controls the operation of the Transposer. The Console Controller™ is located at the left side of
the console.
Transposition to any of the twelve musical keys is possible. When the organ's power is first
turned ON, the Console Controller™ window displays a brief message then displays MEM - 1,
indicating the first capture memory. Also displayed is the Tranposer setting of neutral pitch.
The Transposer is displayed as a large digit in the Console Controller display. (
“ ”
is on the
right side of the display.) When the organ's power is first switched ON, the organ will start up in
Memory 1 and in this neutral pitch position.
To shift the music to a higher key, you must first move the cursor's position in the Console
Controller's™ display window so that the
“ ”
symbol is selected. To move the cursor,
repeatedly press the button on the Console Controller™ labeled "CURSOR" until the
“ ”
symbol is selected. Once the
“ ”
symbol is selected, turn the Console Controller's Rotary Dial
to select the new musical key. Turning the dial in a clockwise manner selects higher keys and
causes the organ's pitch to rise. Turning the dial in a counter-clockwise manner selects a lower
key and causes the organ's pitch to go lower. The pitch can be raised a maximum of five half-
steps or lowered a total of seven half-steps. Be aware that the Transposer’s range settings "wrap
around" from the plus five half-step setting to the minus seven half-step setting.
A red indicator light (LED) on the face of the Console Controller™ illuminates any time the
Transposer setting is moved from the
“ ”
or neutral pitch position.
Why Transpose?
Because a song’s range does not always suit the vocal range of a particular singer. By
adjusting the Transposer, the piece can be sung more comfortably and effectively.
Because some instruments are non-concert pitch. A trumpet in B
b
, for example, can play
the same music as the organist, if the Transposer knob is set two half steps lower.
Because hymn singing can sometimes be improved by a more favorable key selection.
