Organ Stop Combination Ideas???

[eightftgedeckt]

Hi!
I have an electric organ and would like to know what would be some good stop combinations for hymn playing. My stops are:

Great:
Mixture II
2' Waldflöte
2' Doublette
2 2/3' Quint
4' Spitzflöte
4' Octave
8' Holflöte
8' Principal
8' Pontifical Trumpet
8' Hautbois

Swell:
2' Block Flute
2 2/3' Nazard
4' Koppel Flute
4' Geigen Principal
8' Gedeckt
8' Gemshorn
8' Salizional
8' Krummhorn
8' Trompette

Pedal:
8' Bassflöte
8' Octave
16' Dulciana
16' Lieblich Gedeckt
16' Bourdon
16' Principal
8' Trompette
16' Pousane

Thanks!!

[wljmrbill]

Questions: for hymn playing with congregational singing or solo hymn perfromance?? Do you have any couplers on your organ?

[eightftgedeckt]

Congregational singing.

[ggoode.sa]

Each organ is somewhat unique due to the room that it plays in, so you will need to spend some time trying out combinations on your organ before you decide what will work best for your situation.
For strong Hymn playing the use of the Principal Chorus is fairly typical (8' Principal, 4' Octave, 2' Doublette). Add the 2 2/3' Quint and Mixture II for a grander final verse for the hymn. For quieter playing you can use the 8' Hohlflote with the 2' Waldflote, add the 4' Spitzflote for the full Flute Chorus when you need it.
The Reeds should be used for extra volume or special verses. Add the Trumpet to the Principal Chorus with Mixture II for a great 'Full Tutti' sound. Play the Hautbios (Oboe) with the 4' Spitzflote as a 'solo' voice.
If you can couple your Swell to the Great, then add the Salicional as an 'extra' ensemble to the flute chorus, or play it by itself with the 2' Waldflote (the 2' helps people hear the melody clearly).
For a Principal Chorus on the swell, use the 8' Gemshorn, the 4' Giegan Principal, and the 2' Block Flute together.

In principal your 8' ranks provide the main sound for the singing, and the 4' and 2' provides greater clarity (depending on their voicing). The Principals are fuller than the Flutes, and the Reeds are louder and more prominent than both Principals and Flutes. The Salizional is a String type of rank, and is useful for a quiet solo or adding roundness to other ranks.

Oh, and on the Pedal, your 8' Octave with your 16' Leiblich Gedackt is probably a good starting point, possibly adding the 16' Principal for strong versus, and swapping the 8' Octave for the 8' BassFlote for quiter ones...

I hope that helps

GrahamG

[wljmrbill]

I would concur with GrahamG.. well written summary... Hymn playing falls under the general rule for musical instruments,,,,, "Practice, Practice, Practice" .. no way out ...LOL

[Contratrombone64]

[ deleted by owner, added nothing of value to what was already suggested ]