Mastering Intensity in Organ Music Performance: Techniques and Emotion

Technique is everything when it comes to playing organ music with intensity. Unlike the piano, the organ lacks a sustaining pedal, requiring the performer to hold down keys to sustain notes. This means precision and control in both attack and release are essential.

Understanding the temperament and emotional conveyance of the organist plays a pivotal role in achieving intensity. How the organist perceives and conveys the music significantly impacts its expression. In this article, we explore the techniques and emotional dimensions needed for a powerful organ performance.

Opposites Attract: Baroque vs Romantic

The organ, as an instrument, presents a peculiar mix of complexity and technicality. Its versatility across different genres presents a challenge and an opportunity to convey a wide range of musical expressions. Let's delve into how to bring intensity to a performance, whether in the Baroque or Romantic era.

Baroque Organ: Nuance and Phrasing

During the Baroque period, contrast in sounds is key. Whether it is accompaniment and solo melody or two equally balanced but contrasting ensembles, tiny nuances in voice-leading and structured rubato are what bring intensity. Rubato, or the flexible tempo, is a crucial technique here.

Key points to consider:

No crescendos or diminuendos in Baroque music. Flawless contrapuntal technique is essential. Regular phrasing within counterpoint enhances intensity.

As an example, we can listen to Karl Richter's performance of a Bach Trio Sonata. Richter, a masterful organist, ensured the voices worked together flawlessly, showcasing the importance of technique and artistry in Baroque music.

Romantic Era: Dynamics and Expression

The Romantic era brought about a significant shift in organ design, featuring complex organs with dynamic expression boxes. These boxes, resembling Venetian blinds, allowed for dramatic shifts in dynamics, enabling a wide range of musical expression. Composers of this period, such as those in France, the UK, and America, fully exploited these nuances.

When playing music from this era, the ability to control a large organ with multiple expression boxes requires careful study and experimentation. Each organ is unique, and mastering one requires a deep understanding of its specific characteristics.

Take, for example, the Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Julius Reubke. This work, composed by a young and brilliant musician, requires the performer to convey intense moments of pathos, anger, and destruction convincingly. The use of all available dynamics, plenty of rubato, and dynamic changes contributes to the intensity of the performance, as seen in the remarkable recording by Roger Fisher.

Bringing Intensity: Practical Tips

Technique: Focus on precise and controlled playing, mastering contrapuntal voices and regular phrasing. Expression: Use dynamic changes, rubato, and expression boxes to convey a range of emotions. Emotion: Allow your emotions to enhance your performance, reflecting the music's intensity.

By combining technical proficiency with emotional engagement, performers can achieve powerful and intense organ performances that resonate with audiences.

Conclusion

Mastering the intensity in organ music performance is a blend of technical and emotional mastery. Understanding the unique characteristics of Baroque and Romantic organs and applying the right techniques can set you apart as a powerful and expressive organist. Whether it's the nuanced phrasing of Baroque music or the dynamic range of Romantic music, bringing intensity to your performance can elevate your artistry to new heights.

Embrace the challenge and let your passion for music guide you to deliver performances that truly resonate.