Selecting Church Organ Music

Much of church organ service music will be out of the hymnal or from vocal and choral selections which are already chosen for you to play. Yet there are many opportunities to play music written or arranged for the organ. Preludes, offertories, postludes and special occasions are just some of the times you will need organ music.  A composed work will usually sound better than an improvised one so take the time to select and learn some organ literature and music arranged for the organ. Every church has its own musical tradition so be mindful to work within those constraints.

Organ Preludes

That being said I believe that the organ prelude gives the most flexibility for selection of material.  Choose music that will set the tone of the service to follow. I prefer to use music and registrations that keep the organ out of the center of attention during the prelude with the main exception being a climax at the end of the prelude leading to the start of the service proper.  Keep a good portion of the music familiar; it will direct the congregations mind toward worship if it reminds them of the worship songs they know.

Organ Voluntaries and Offertories

This is the time when the organ can be the center of attention.  I would choose music that has a strong character. Maybe it has some florid, technically challenging passages or features a prominent organ rank. A piece that uses rich harmony can sound great without being a difficult to play. Try more elaborate interpretations of hymn tunes, a short organ composition or an excerpt from a larger work.

Postludes

The postlude can send the congregation on its way with a grand sound filling the air or with a sense of peace and completion.  I lean heavily toward playing a up tempo, joyous anthem except when a somber mood is definitely needed. I want people to leave feeling like they have experienced something grand and beyond their daily experience. The organ postlude can make a final impression that people can take with them.

Sheet Music Plus

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