NEW MUSICAL HORIZONS, ISSUE 2

MUSICAL ORGANS
Musical organs are keyboard instruments that have been used for centuries
in various musical contexts. They have a long history and a wide
range of types, each with unique characteristics. In this overview, we
will explore the main types of musical organs, from the classic pipe organ
to the Hammond.
1. Pipe Organ: The pipe organ is the archetypal musical organ, dating
back over 2,000 years. It is a large instrument consisting of a case
containing a series of sound pipes. Each reed produces a sound when
activated by a flow of air. The air is usually generated by a hand-operated
bellows or an electrical system. The pipe organ can produce a
wide range of sounds thanks to its multi-keyboard arrangement and the
presence of stops that control different timbres and volumes.
2. Church Pipe Organ: The church pipe organ is a specific type of pipe
organ designed for use inside religious buildings. These instruments are
often large in size, as they must fill the large acoustic space of churches.
Church organs can have a wide range of stops and pedals, and are capable
of creating majestic and solemn sounds.
3. Concert Pipe Organ: The concert pipe organ is a variant of the pipe
organ designed for performances and concerts. These instruments are
often placed in concert halls and auditoriums, and are characterized by
greater tonal flexibility and a wider dynamic range than church organs.
Concert pipe organs are highly prized for their expressive capabilities
and can reproduce a wide range of musical styles.
4. Electric Organ: The electric organ was developed in the 20th century
as a compact and more economical alternative to the pipe organ. These
instruments use electrical technology to generate sound instead of sound
pipes. The Hammond organ is one of the most famous types of electric
organ, widely used in jazz, rock and popular music. Electric organs often
offer greater portability and versatility than pipe organs, allowing musicians
to use them in various musical contexts.
5. Digital Organ: The digital organ is a more modern form of organ
that uses digital technology to emulate the sounds of pipe organs and
electric organs. These instruments offer a wide range of sonic possibilities
thanks to their ability to faithfully recreate the sounds of traditional
instruments, as well as generate synthesized sounds. Digital organs are
often more compact and lightweight than traditional instruments, offering
a practical option for touring musicians or for home use.
In conclusion, the types of musical organs range from the classic pipe
organ, with its complex architecture and vast range of stops, to the
more modern and practical electric and digital organs.
Each type of organ offers a wide range of expressive possibilities and
can be used in different musical traditions and environments. Choosing
the right organ depends on the musician’s musical goals and personal
preferences.
HOW DOES THE MECHANISM OF A PIPE ORGAN WORK?
The mechanism of a pipe organ is a fascinating and complex system
that creates sound by using pressured air to vibrate the pipes. Let’s explore
the main components and their functions:
1. Console: The console is where the organist sits and controls the instrument.
It contains the keyboards (manuals) and pedals, as well as
stops and other controls that adjust the sound.
2. Keyboards and Pedals: The organist plays the organ using both
hands and feet. The keyboards, usually made of wood or ivory, provide a
series of keys that control which pipes are sounding. The pedals, typically
operated with the feet, control the lowest-pitched pipes.
3. Wind System: The wind system generates and controls the airflow
necessary to produce sound. A blower creates the pressured air, which is
distributed through a series of channels called wind chests.
4. Wind Chests: Wind chests are large, rectangular boxes that store and
control the airflow. They contain valves called pallets that open or close
to allow air into the pipes when the corresponding keys are pressed.
5. Pipes: The pipes are the heart of the organ and produce sound. They
are made from various materials (metal or wood) and come in different
shapes and sizes, producing different pitches, tones, and timbres. The
pipes are attached to the wind chests and are activated when the corresponding
keys are pressed.
6. Stops: Stops are controls on the console that allow the organist to select
different sets of pipes, called ranks. Each rank consists of a group of
pipes of the same type and pitch. By pulling out or pushing in the stops,
the organist can activate or deactivate specific ranks of pipes, which
changes the overall sound of the instrument.
7. Couplers: Couplers are mechanisms that allow the sound from one
keyboard to be played on another keyboard, or to be played on different
octaves. They enhance the possibilities for creating rich and complex
textures.
8. Expression Pedals: Expression pedals enable the organist to control
the volume of sound. By gradually pushing or releasing the pedal, the
organist can create crescendos and decrescendos,
adding dynamics and expression to the music.
8 NEW MUSICAL HORIZONS
CONTINUE 9