Does It Take More Skill to Play a 2-Manual Organ?

[myorgan]

I was practicing just last night on the symphony's used (but new to us) 3-manual organ. It struck me how much easier it was to play a 3+ manual instrument vs. a 2-manual instrument because:</P>
<UL>
<LI>Some literature requires a 3-manual instrument (i.e. the Fantasie from Saint-Saëns' Fantasie &amp; Fugue in E-Flat Major).</LI>
<LI>Registration changes are required less on a 3-manual instrument because of the extra manual. More tonal variation is available.</LI>
<LI>Sometimes a solo stop you need is on the wrong manual for the sound you want in a 2-manual.</LI>[/list]


Here's my question: Does it take more talent/skill to play a 2-manual instrument vs. a 3-manual instrument? I think so. What's your take?</P>


Michael</P>

[Havoc]

Re: Does It Take More Skill to Play a 2-Manual Organ?

No, it doesn't. It does require more knowledge of organs, organworks and interpretation.

[Menschenstimme]

Re: Does It Take More Skill to Play a 2-Manual Organ?



I play a 3-manual at church and a 2-manual at home and find the 3-manual easier to play because as Michael pointed out:</P>
<LI>Registration changes are required less on a 3-manual instrument because of the extra manual. More tonal variation is available.
<LI>Sometimes a solo stop you need is on the wrong manual for the sound you want in a 2-manual.</LI>


Cheers!</P>


[D]</P>

[soubasse32]

Re: Does It Take More Skill to Play a 2-Manual Organ?



It is entirely dependent on the repertoire!</P>


I've accompanied oratorios and done solo concerts on two-manual organs.</P>


Solo recitals are easy - you just pick repertoire that doesn't require three manuals.</P>


Accompanying and having to play orchestral transcriptions - that's where things can get a bit complicated.</P>


On the other hand, the organ is 'helping' you to decide what stops you can and cannot use; if yousimplify your expectations as far as stop and manual changes, then it actually becomes easier.</P>