Organist

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ.

1 Classical and church organists
- 1.1 Ancient titles still in current use
2 Theater organists
3 Organists in popular music
4 Organizations
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Classical and church organists

Worldwide, the greatest number of organists are principally involved in church music, due to the vital role that the organ plays in traditional Christian worship. The role of the organ varies from denomination to denomination; for example, Lutheran churches in the U.S. have greater emphasis on use of the organ in worship than some others. Since there were few organs installed in locations other than churches until the late 19th century, classical organ literature was almost exclusively written for liturgical use.

Organists are expected to accompany congregational singing of hymns, accompany the choir, and provide solo music for preludes, postludes, and covering music during otherwise silent portions of the worship service. Many organists also direct a choir.

Since the strengths and weaknesses of the organ are difficult to understand without a good deal of playing experience, most music composed for organ has been written by organists. Like other musicians, many organists also teach.

In the English cathedral tradition the master of music is generally titled Organist, although their function is mainly in the training and direction of music rather than actual playing; there will generally be one or more assistant or sub-organists who play most services and some recitals. The post of organist at most of the great cathedrals includes recital work and choral training. Musicians such as Malcolm Archer, John Scott and Barry Rose are accomplished organists as well as choral directors.

Many organists are also significant composers for the instrument, such as Bach and Buxtehude. In Europe, the historical importance of churches as employers of musicians meant that many composers not now remembered for their association with the organ nevertheless were engaged as professional organists, for example, Mozart, Max Reger, and Edward Elgar.

For a list of organists, see List of organists.

[edit] Ancient titles still in current use

In English churches, chapels and cathedrals the Organist may also be known as Master of the Choristers, Choirmaster or Director of Music; however, there are some ancient titles still in current usage:

Newark Parish Church - Master of the Song School
Magdalen College Oxford - Organist and Informator Choristarum
Southwell Minster - Rector Chori

[edit] Theater organists

The theater organ has a separate repertoire and playing style, and in its heyday there were considerable numbers of organists employed. A few carry on the tradition today.

[edit] Organists in popular music

There are many organists employed in the production of popular and jazz music. In the United States most of them play the Hammond organ, and many are classically trained, often in piano rather than organ. In England and Japan, one of the most popular series of instruments is the Yamaha Electone; while Electones of recent decades are more properly characterized as digital synthesizers rather than as organs, the player interface, and the skills and coordination required to play, mean that it is effectively an organ in these respects.

[edit] Organizations

In the United States, there is a national organization called the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Comparable bodies in other countries include the Royal College of Organists (RCO) in the United Kingdom, the Gesellschaft der Orgelfreunde e.V. (GdO) in Germany, and the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO). There is also the American Theatre Organ Society. All these institutions are oriented toward the organist involved in classical music rather than popular music.