Organ

As Printed on a Score

Labels the organ’s three-stave system — two manual staves and a pedal staff — as Organ, Org. on later systems. Registration is written in words above the music (Full Organ, Sw., Gt., stop names), and directions such as Man. or Organ Pedal tell the player which keyboard, or the pedals alone, to use.

Abbreviations: Org.

Also spelled: Pipe Organ

How Composers Use It

Sound lasts exactly as long as a key is held, and loudness comes from stops and the swell box, not from touch. In an orchestral score the organ adds a deep foundation and an overwhelming tutti, but resonant buildings blur fast figures, so sustained chords and pedal points work best. Show which manual or the pedal carries each line, and write registration changes where the player has a hand free.

Example

Holst, The Planets, “Uranus, the Magician”, organ, m. 220: the registration “Full Organ” is printed over the organ part.

Related Terms