A n example of this is the hold over from the 17th and 18th centuries, which taught that an organist should build a registration in a vertical way and not horizontally. The vertical build using one 8 foot stop with one 4 foot stop and one 2 foot stop. Historical Perspective Awareness of some historical facts can bring to light the thinking behind vertical building of registration. With these conditions, the organ had to be registered with a minimum amount of stops to conserve air, which often meant one 8 foot with one 4 foot, etc. W ith technological advances made over time, these problems were overcome and horizontal registration building became achieveable.
Ensemble sound is very important.
Do not hesitate to use several 8 foot stops together to provide a full, round foundation sound built up with 4s, 2s, and mixtures from there. If you are playing for a church service, the use of combined 8 foot stops will give the congregation a better sense of wanting to join in with the sound. It is worth the time and effort to study and learn many facts and ideas about organ registration. The fact remains there is one final determination for stop choice, and that has to do with the ear. Do not be fooled into thinking you are using your ear as you work at music.