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Complete Organ Method: A Classic Text on Organ Technique
Sir John Stainer is remembered today as a pioneer of English musicology. Beyond his duties as organist of London's St. Paul's Cathedral, he was a founder and president of the Musical Association, professor of music at Oxford, vice president of the Royal College of Organists, and later president of both the Plainsong and Medieval Music Society and the London Gregorian Association.
In this highly readable volume, Stainer's objective was "to place the true principles of organ playing before the beginner," so that the student would "face at once the special difficulties of the instrument and persevere until they are surmounted." He begins with a brief history of the instrument followed by an explanation of organ construction, a thorough discussion of the various stops and their management, and a major section devoted to practical study — including detailed pedal technique, precision in manual touch, hand-foot independence, pedal scales, trios, and finger substitution to achieve a perfect legato. With the author's meticulous explanations and accompanying illustrations, students can actually teach themselves to play.
Sir John's book, first published in 1877, quickly became the classic for beginners — so popular that publishers Schirmer, Ditson, and Presser each issued its own "Americanized" edition in the early twentieth century. In addition to the seven organ pieces of the original edition, including five of Stainer's own works and two pieces by Guilmant, three additional works round out this Dover edition.
In this highly readable volume, Stainer's objective was "to place the true principles of organ playing before the beginner," so that the student would "face at once the special difficulties of the instrument and persevere until they are surmounted." He begins with a brief history of the instrument followed by an explanation of organ construction, a thorough discussion of the various stops and their management, and a major section devoted to practical study — including detailed pedal technique, precision in manual touch, hand-foot independence, pedal scales, trios, and finger substitution to achieve a perfect legato. With the author's meticulous explanations and accompanying illustrations, students can actually teach themselves to play.
Sir John's book, first published in 1877, quickly became the classic for beginners — so popular that publishers Schirmer, Ditson, and Presser each issued its own "Americanized" edition in the early twentieth century. In addition to the seven organ pieces of the original edition, including five of Stainer's own works and two pieces by Guilmant, three additional works round out this Dover edition.
- GenresMusic
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1877
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 3, 2021
A simple explanation of the history, mechanics, and use of your basic church organ. Or, I should say, types of organs, because as far as I can tell every organ I've ever seen is different. The tone is almost like a classroom, with a teacher with a slight sense of humor. "Ladies should not wear shoes with heels that are too narrow or circular in design, unless they are willing to purchase freedom at the price of a boot". LOL!
The second half of the book is musical exercises. They should be very helpful!
The second half of the book is musical exercises. They should be very helpful!
March 7, 2022
Speaking as a total beginner, the section on how the organ works probably has too much detail to be understood, although I do find it awesomely informative. However, the section on practical playing fulfilled my expectations. Exactly the kind of pedagogical method that I was looking for. Another pleasant surprise; I also just found out that John Stainer is the composer of the first choir song that I ever sang, his 'God so Loved the World' from his oratorio 'Crucifixion', which is such a gorgeous little piece.
January 7, 2023
I have played the organ for about twenty years, but basically learned on the job (my training is as a pianist). Lately I have been reading textbooks to learn more about the organ and especially on proper pedaling technique. John Stainer's The Organ was noteworthy in that it really explained how organs work, including detailed mechanical diagrams. Of course, most organs now use electricity for most operations, even if they still produce sound through pipes (the organ I play is completely electric, with pipes merely as decoration).
What also stood out to me was Stainer's preference for playing pedal notes with alternating feet in places where I would probably use a heel-toe switch in one foot. But it was useful to practice the exercises in the book using his recommendation. I have begun experimenting with some of the techniques in my church playing. I'm glad for the broadened perspective and hope to keep building my skills.
What also stood out to me was Stainer's preference for playing pedal notes with alternating feet in places where I would probably use a heel-toe switch in one foot. But it was useful to practice the exercises in the book using his recommendation. I have begun experimenting with some of the techniques in my church playing. I'm glad for the broadened perspective and hope to keep building my skills.
February 9, 2022
The organist who wishes to play with a proper expression of feeling is chiefly dependent on-
(I) The art of phrasing.
(2) The contrast between the legato and staccato style.
(3) The use of the Swell pedal.
(4) The selection of stops.
(I) The art of phrasing.
(2) The contrast between the legato and staccato style.
(3) The use of the Swell pedal.
(4) The selection of stops.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews