The Pipe Organ

The Pipe Organ by James Mitchell

The organ is one of the oldest instruments in Western music, and its sound has inspired many of the greatest composers from the past half a millennium from Bach through to Messiaen. The full possibilities of the instrument, however, have often been overlooked. Orchestration textbooks tend to mention the organ only in passing, with little practical advice for the composer to latch onto. Many organ books will explain technical jargon and how the organ is designed, but do not discuss what should actually be written in the score. This book, on the other hand, offers a practical guide for composers on how to write idiomatically for the instrument with the aim of helping them exploit the instrument's full timbral and technical potential. It provides in depth advice not only on notation but also the full resources of the modern organ, including dedicated chapters on registration, writing for manuals and pedals, and using the organ in ensembles, among others. Multiple musical examples are quoted from across the history of organ repertoire, with a particular focus on contemporary composers and music. There is advice tailored to non-classical musicians, such as guidance on virtual instruments. The online companion website to this book provides video demonstrations, chapter summaries, sample organ stop-lists and other useful further resources. In summary, the goal of this book is to show not just what organ music was, or what it is, but what it can be.

This concise but remarkably comprehensive book is essential reading for music creatorsIt fills a significant gap. The organ, despite its great history and exciting contemporary presence, has hitherto hardly figured at all in orchestration guides. Composers will find ideas, encouragement and inspiration within these pages. * Judith Weir CBE, Master of the King's Music *
This is essential reading for any lover of the organ as a reminder of how historical and important the instrument is. For anyone unfamiliar with the organ, it will be a fascinating journey of discovery, wonderfully written and informative. It could have been so easily dry and predictable, but it is the antithesis of that. What a superb piece of work. * David Hill MBE, President, Royal College of Organists *
I recommend this guide unreservedly to anyone who is interested in composing for the organ. I have no doubt that it will become an invaluable resource. * Imogen Morgan, Cathedral Music *

James Mitchell is the current Sub-Organist at Gloucester Cathedral. He graduated from Girton College, Cambridge with a Double First, subsequently completing an MPhil in Musicology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He is also an award-winning composer; his music has been published by the RSCM and has been performed at various UK cathedrals and churches, including at the 2021 London Festival of Contemporary Church Music.

SKU	Non disponible
ISBN 13	9780197645291
ISBN 10	0197645291
Titre	The Pipe Organ
Auteur	James Mitchell
État	Non disponible
Type de reliure	Paperback
Éditeur	Oxford University Press Inc
Année de publication	2023-07-31
Nombre de pages	200
Note de couverture	La photo du livre est présentée à titre d'illustration uniquement. La reliure, la couverture ou l'édition réelle peuvent varier.
Note	Non disponible