Organist: Encyclopedia II - Organist - Classical and church organists

Organist - Classical and church organists

Worldwide, the greatest number of organists are principally involved in church music, due to the vital role that the organ plays in traditional Christian worship. The role of the organ varies from denomination to denomination; for example, Lutheran churches in the U.S. have greater emphasis on use of the organ in worship than some others. Since there were few organs installed in locations other than churches until the late 19th century, classical organ literature was almost exclusively written for liturgical use.

Organists are expected to accompany congregational singing of hymns, accompany the choir, and provide solo music for preludes, postludes, and covering music during otherwise silent portions of the worship service. Many organists also direct a choir.

Since the strengths and weaknesses of the organ are difficult to understand without a good deal of playing experience, most music composed for organ has been written by organists. Like other musicians, many organists also teach.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Classical and church organists", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki