For those who listen to pipe organ music. Specifically hearing a live pipe organ, or enjoying the pipe organs with earbuds can be astounding. It may be an acquired taste, but pipe organ music is really important. Part of the pipe organ’s importance is in the way it enriches people’s lives today, and part of the importance is in how it has impacted the evolution of music. We will go over the types of organs and things to keep in mind when talking about organs.

Many of the most famous pipe organ composers were from the Baroque era. Johann Sebastian Bach is the most popular of this time. Many of the most notable pipe organ music was written by him during this time. Some people feel that the Fuge in G Major was his best work. Johann Pachelbel and Dietrich Buxtehude also composed wonderful pieces. Some can easily enrich their life by acquiring the experience and skill of playing the pipe organ. Some of the youngsters in our community play the pipe organ at an young age. Not only does this give children something to be proud of, but this also helps them with fine motor skill development. Stress reduction is another gain of playing the pipe organ.

Historic pipe organs used a slider, and it was not until later that the keyboard was integrated. Organs did have keyboards in the Baroque period of time back in the time of Bach. Pipe organs also have a pedalboard which is worked by the feet. There are many types of organs, some of them are quite exquisite. Some pipe organs cost over $100,000. Today, many churches choose electric organs to keep the cost down. It is still plain to see that a true pipe organ still gives the best quality sound.

While playing a pipe organ can be difficult, tuning a pipe organ is a task that requires an expert technician who knows this complicated process. A little noted fact is that in the past there was no pitch standard. The modern tuning standard was proposed in 1939. The pipe organ has had a big affect throughout history and pipe organ builders continue to build organs to serve our needs. Some might wonder what they will evolve to in the years to come.

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