Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-15

chestrsl molds, such - the symphonic and
overture, In addition to the Legitimate
organ music known - preludes, postluds
fugues, etc, etc.
But should there be any distinguishing
features between the use of this orchestral
organ in the church and in the concert hall?
Yes, most decidedly. The church, and
especially those wings known as the Evan
gelical Protestant denominations, afford
little opportunity for q display Of the
orchestral possibilities of the organ. Apart
from short prelude and postlude, the organ
is used in the simple work of accompanying
not very elaborate pieces, such as anthems
and chants, which are sung by the choir,
also the congregational hymn singing.
Thus the organist is very much handi-
capped in his desire to make the instru-
ment speak out in the musical language
If the great masters. And again, shon1d
the organist select things of high order,
he will soon find his work as Objectionable
as the too technical and scholarly sermoniz-
ing of the preacher. as they both would be
shooting over the heads Of the congrega-
ton"
Displaying Its Full Powers.
But cannot the orgsnist use the magnif-
cent orchestral organ effectively, even in
gregation? Yes, for in the simpler melo-
dies, even those hallowed with age, he can
so color, phrase and paraphrase them as to
satisfy even devotional desire and cause
the spirit of worship to hover around the
sanctuary. Even if such pieces of music as
Jerusalem the Golden" or "Come ye
Disconsolate," were played artistically, but
of course with devotional feeling, it would
be no more Of q prostitution Of the powers
of the king of instruments than is the
singing of "Home, Sweet Home" or
"Old Folks at Home" by such great artists
as Patti or Nilsson, Q prostitution of
their vocal powers The chief point in all
performances, where the audience is mostly
composed of persons who are not connois-
seurs in musical art, is to render that kind
of inspiring music that will touch the SYM
pathy and responsive chords in the heart.
The church is not necessarily a place
where people are to be instructed in musical
matters; music must be an auxiliary to the
worshipful service, and not the chief feat
ure. Therefore the effective use of tho
modern organ in the church service is to
make It utter the things which will be
understood and which are conducive to the
spiritual welfare and interest Of the congre-
cation, preparing the mind and soul for
reception Of religious thought and feeling.
Use Of the Concert Organ.
A few days ago the following questions
were propounded: 'For what purpose is .
concert organ and its manipulator?" It's
The establishment Of such an institution for
The sole purpose Of simply entertaining the
general public with such music as the ma
|ority Of untutored music lovers are capable
Of enjoying, or 10 It for the purpose of ar
presenting to those who have
lesire for the classic tone-pictures which
he great chord painters have thrown up on
he musical canvas, which needs study to
obtain the full benefit of their purport?
The concert organ is intended as means
If delinesting true musical art and should
AXE the place Gin Its absence) Of q we'll
balanced orchestra, a. It should be an edu.
;ator of musical esthetics and not simply 40
IN entertaining institution whereby COM
non-place and so-called popular music is
dispensed to those who are attracted by the
over order of things musical. In word,
he work Of the concert organist with the
orchestral organ should be a. well-ordered
,icture gallery, exhibiting the skillful
york of true artists Then will the digni-
led grand organ reveal its greatest possi-
abilities, manifesting to the mind of its in.
ellectual listeners that it is absolutely the
monarch of all the musical instrumental
SIMEON BIssELL