The Art Of Organ Leadership Of Congregational Song

Accompanying congregational singing is an extraordinary challenge, requiring careful practice and disciplined creativity. The following article outlines many of the musical matters that every organist must consider, along with suggestions for the creative interpretation of the texts that are sung. The organist can be a catalyst, an energizer, for congregational song. Where one finds a good organ and sensitive leadership, things can and do happen. The organ works well as a medium for inspiring congregational song, surrounding the assembly with sound. This sound need not be overbearing or excessively loud, rather, it should be rich, full, and warm, assisting the singer to feel encouraged to participate. The organ supports and undergirds the singer with its sound, thus diminishing their feeling of being alone. Of course, other instruments can work well too, but the organ is unique in that one player can produce enough quality, range, and variety of sound to lead a large congregation. To…