A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

[celtdoggy]

Interesting the organist is not using any music!

[Vercus100]

This organ is no longer at our church, it has been replaced by an Allen Elite. This was the last dying breath of a 30 year old electronic organ..lol. At one point, the combination action acted up and gave me the wrong setting, hence the really thin stop. If you watch, you'll see me press the piston again with conviction..lol. I don't miss that organ!

[journeyquest1]

seems a little fast

[Vercus100]

I just listened to this again after having not heard it for over a year. I agree it is a little fast. I've learned quite a bit about how to lead a hymn and sure wouldn't do it like that again, too disjointed.

[caddyorganist]

The congregation doesn't sound lost to me.

[horndiapason]

There was a bit of wandering and "loss" of congregation on that second sung stanza, but overall I'd give it 10 out of 10 for energy, creativity and courage. It takes guts to abandon the printed page.

That said, I must agree that it may have gone a bit far. "Free accompaniments" must retain a solid tempo and at least provide melodic "check points" for the congregation. The organist must always be a LEADER of the congregation's singing.

[chammpkind]

Really nice. Although perhaps more suited for a prelude or something rather than a hymn sing. I notice the woman in the first pew directing the congregation to sing, but deferred way too much from the standard hymn for most people to understand. Kind of reminded me of Virgil Fox type-playing!

[ns9987]

I enjoyed it. Having played for my church for about 8 years now I can say congregations get lost very easily when the melody is distorted. Not to say this type of playing is not suited for congregation to sing to. Just solo out the melody so the congregation can know where they are in the song. Also a slower tempo would probably be appreciated.

[blackberryjuice]

If you've been playing in the same church for 8 years, you may need to get out more, friend. Not all congregations are musically illiterate. I admit this improv wasn't stellar, but I certainly don't hear the congregation sounding "lost." The tempo of this hymn is too often dragged down into the realm of funeral dirges from hell. While this tempo probably isn't the most historically correct for the hymn, it's by no means offensive... in my opinion. :)

[Chesterbarnes1]

Vercus100, watch your sitting posture, and technique, you seem to slid all over the bench. Discipline! Have you had a good organ teacher? Discipline, posture, technique. Do you read sheet music? Or do you play by ear. Recommend sight reading also. Good job!

[Chesterbarnes1]

You must listen for the timing not only of the music,but in congregatinal singing. Stick to steady tempo, not a lot of variations on the hymn tune during the plaing of the hymn.

[kensingtonpalace]

agreed. this would make a fantastic prelude. but it's a little over the top for cong. singing. i always find it distracting if the organ keeps changing during the hymn. Great playing tho!

[Chesterbarnes1]

Totally agreed! You lose the cong., when we switch stops and tempo during singing. Many singers will stop singing.

[proffromgview]

right. that's why it is ACCOMPANIMENT!

[octavebasse8]

No, organists never accompany. We lead!

[AECEntertainment]

@octavebasse8 i as an organist always try to lead but do you find the congregation are sometimes slower than us

[JmoulFrancis]

I wish I could play the organ that good

[organpipe8]

Nice sounding Organ, great playing... Thanks.