Organist
An
organist is a musician who plays any type of
organ.
Worldwide, the greatest number of organists are principally involved in
church music, due to the vital role that the organ plays in traditional Christian worship. The role of the organ varies from denomination to denomination; for example,
Lutheran churches in the U.S. have greater emphasis on use of the organ in worship than some others. Since there were few organs installed in locations other than churches until the late 19th century, classical organ literature was almost exclusively written for liturgical use.
Organists are expected to accompany congregational singing of hymns, accompany the choir, and provide solo music for preludes, postludes, and covering music during otherwise silent portions of the worship service. Many organists also direct a choir.
Since the strengths and weaknesses of the organ are difficult to understand without a good deal of playing experience, most music composed for organ has been written by organists. Like other musicians, many organists also teach.
In the English
cathedral tradition the master of music is generally titled Organist, although their function is mainly in the training and direction of music rather than actual playing; there will generally be one or more assistant or sub-organists who play most services and some recitals. The post of organist at most of the great cathedrals includes recital work and choral training. Musicians such as Malcolm Archer,
John Scott and
Barry Rose are accomplished organists as well as choral directors.
Many organists are also significant composers for the instrument, such as
Bach and
Buxtehude. In Europe, the historical importance of churches as employers of musicians meant that many composers not now remembered for their association with the organ nevertheless were engaged as professional organists, for example,
Mozart,
Max Reger, and
Edward Elgar.
For a list of organists, see
List of organists.
Ancient titles still in current use
In English churches, chapels and cathedrals the Organist may also be known as
Master of the Choristers,
Choirmaster or
Director of Music; however, there are some ancient titles still in current usage:
* Newark Parish Church -
Master of the Song School* Magdalen College Oxford -
Organist and Informator Choristarum* Southwell Minster -
Rector ChoriThe
theater organ has a separate repertoire and playing style, and in its heyday there were considerable numbers of organists employed. A few carry on the tradition today.
There are many organists employed in the production of popular and jazz music. In the United States most of them play the
Hammond organ, and many are classically trained, often in piano rather than organ. In England and Japan, one of the most popular series of instruments is the
Yamaha Electone; while Electones of recent decades are more properly characterized as digital
synthesizers rather than as organs, the player interface, and the skills and coordination required to play, mean that it is effectively an organ in these respects.
In the
United States, there is a national organisation called the
American Guild of Organists (AGO). Comparable bodies in other countries include the
Royal College of Organists (RCO) in the United Kingdom, the
Gesellschaft der Orgelfreunde e.V. (GdO) in Germany, and the
Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO). There is also the
American Theatre Organ Society. All these institutions are oriented toward the organist involved in
classical music rather than
popular music.
*
List of organists*
List of jazz organists*
Organ recital* http://www.agohq.org/
* http://www.atos.org/
* http://www.rco.org.uk/
* http://www.rcco.ca/
* http://www.gdo.de/
