Like all of us, organists are facing temptations. We can think about, for example, playing a piece of music that is too difficult for the player. Or: pulling out too many stops…
Another one is the desire for more and more stops. Large organs with many stops is for some organists a real desire. Couplers, different mixture stops, various characters of reed stops, strings, and much more. Great to be able to play any piece of music (if you would have the skills), and to provide the congregation with a concert every week again.
In Northern Europe organs many in church were developed for congregational singing. In Germany was the Lutheran church music quite rich and the organs are often reflecting that. In the Netherlands with its Calvinistic influence, the equipment to accompany the bold, unison singing was designed to just do that very well: accompany the congregational singing. This resulted in smaller, but very functional organs that can sing…
In North America the French organ building culture had a significant influence. The Cavaille-Coll organs had an orchestral romantic character, something that can be recognized in the many Aeolian Skinner organs in North America. This resulted in relatively large organs with many stops, but not always with a large volume in sound.
Living in North America, our organists could be influenced by these large instruments – it is like a kid in the candy store. However, generally the design and origin of a large instrument does not serve the congregational singing well.
Back to the temptation… Our churches have smaller organs – often (just) two manuals. That is small compared to what we see around us in other churches. In Langley with our new Casavant we have (just) 22 stops and 2 manuals, which is small compared with many other organs around us.
So what was that temptation again? Wanting a large, impressive organ with many stops. For example…
- In Langley we have only one Trumpet stop, but one could desire different Trumpet stops with different character.
- In Langley we have only one Mixture, but one could desire several Mixtures on the different keyboards.
- In Langley we have just one 16 foot stop in the pedal section, but one could desire several deep bass stops on the pedal.
The desire for more is a reality for some (young) organists. And they have solutions too: buying electronics: electronics have many stops for little money. And you can leave the pipes in place so that the people in the church may believe it is a real pipe organ – most people won’t notice (…that misleading and giving a false impression are not biblical, is ignored).
There are electronic organs that connect with pipes so that one can also play some pipes on the electronic organ. The pipes are always in the minority, with a multitude of fake organ stops and other effects.
Is there anything wrong with this? Yes, I think that there is something wrong…
1) THE TRUTH
As I mentioned before: giving the congregation the impression that there is a real pipe organ but placing speakers behind it, is not in line with the Christian faith. Electronic organs are designed and in business to imitate pipe organs and fool the church people! Being true to all aspects of life and using the natural components that are given to us.
2) WHAT IS NEEDED
The next thing is the organist’s desire for an electronic organ should be challenged in a brotherly fashion: there is a difference between what a church “needs” and what an organist “desires”, “wants” or maybe "deserves". More stops often don’t serve the congregational singing.
3) KEEPING UP
Electronic sound production does not serve the congregation. Electronic organs do fit-in with our culture of iPods, Computers, Digital media, Projectors, Blackberry’s, etc. but only the sound production of a real pipe organ is movement of air creating vibrations, similar to the human voice.
4) STEWARDSHIP
The aspect of stewardship should not be ignored. Electronic products are not keeping their value and depreciation is steep and quick. The more electronics are used the more they wear out. In congregations with good unison singing, speakers and amplifiers are taxed heavier than in a small congregation that sings in harmony.
Short-term pain (larger investment) for long-term gain (lasting pipe organ)
or
Short-term gain (quick fix to please the church people) for long-term pain (upgrading to the newer technology and replacing worn-out components)
Are organ projects painful for the congregation? Sometimes an organ project can be upbuilding and constructive to the congregational life. Other times it is destructive and a topic of negative discussion in the congregation for years...
Some things that could be considered when dealing with pipe organs:
- Recognize that an organ brings up emotions. It serves an important role in the accompaniment of the singing in the church and the singing in the church is about salvation and life in Jesus Christ.
- Make sure that the process and communication is open and transparent to the congregation always. This means regular updates of the good and bad.
- Keep a log of all communication about the organ from all parties involved: internal committees and members as well as external advisors and organ builders. Also make note of critical verbal communication.
- Ensure quotes are obtained in writing with issue dates, expiry dates, and conditions. If quotes expire, make sure a new quote is issued and when an extension is granted make sure this is in writing. Avoid verbal agreements.
- If there is ambiguity directionally, request an advisor. This advisor should understand the needs of the congregation and the musical culture of the church. This person should be familiar with the organ industry at large and be able act as a project manager. The reporting structure should be transparent: organ committee/committee of administration/church council.
- Have a timeline in place. Although the planning can be adjusted, a timeline is important to prevent an organ project to drag out, sometimes for a decade or more.
- Helpful people are great, however with church organ projects you want to make sure that things are done well (quality, stewardship) and in time (promise).
- Avoid a conflict of interest and establish accountability: i.e. don't allow an impression to be formed that the organist fulfills his own desires at the expense of the congregation. This is not good for the organist or for the congregation.
In our churches, an organ project is (too) often treated like a hobby project of a few (over) interested individuals in the congregation. I think that in some places people are more diligent with the acquisition of a used car for themselves than with the churchorgan for the accompaniment of the singing; or where groups of hobbyists are taking their hobby to church and keep busy with the rebuilding of (parts of) the organ while the congregation waits many, many years.
Why are church organs important why can it not become a hobby or personal issue? Because the role of the organ is the accompaniment of the congregational singing.
The Lord thrones on the praises of his people (Psalm 22: 3) and therefore we cannot make decisions on the instrument used for the accompaniment of these praises quickly lightly.
Decisions need to be made carefully and not through democracy and politics in the church because we are dealing with a part of the worship service, which is to the honour and glory of Gods holy name.
Considering this last part, I hope that it gives some direction on how to deal with organ projects in the church.
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