Welcome to The Latter-day Saint Organist's Resource Blog

The purpose of this blog is to help pianists learn to become true organists. Many individuals believe that if you play the piano you can play the organ, but the instruments differ greatly. While this blog is specifically geared towards members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, much of the information shared can be utilized by all. I hope that the information I share here will help you become an effective organist in your ward, stake, or other congregation.

Feel free to browse and search this blog. It was started in January 2010 and while new posts aren't added very often, this blog contains a wealth of information and is a wonderful resource for all organists. If you're a new reader, you can find the first lesson here: Before We Begin: Acquiring the Essentials. Also, please "like" the corresponding facebook page, which is updated more often. A link is provided on the right sidebar, or you can click here.

Thanks for visiting!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Song: Brahm's Est Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen

Bernard Lagacé plays Est Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen - Op. 122, No. 8 (Brahms) in 1978.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Song: Uppon la-mi-re

Thilo Muster plays the anonymous Ground "Uppon la-mi-re" (16th cent.) on the world's oldest playable organ in the castle of Valère in Sion/Switzerland

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sunday Song: Fuga g-moll

Johann Adam Reinken's Fuga g-moll played by Bernard Foccroulle at the Schnitger organ in Jacobi Kirche (Hamburg).

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Sunday Song: Winter Night

Aram Basmadjian performs Frederick Delius' Winter Night (Sleighride) on the four-manual Quantum organ installed at Octave Hall in Macungie, PA.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Keeping the Tabernacle in Tune

Keeping the Tabernacle in TuneDid you see this article in the January Ensign?

"Much praise is given to the organists who perform on the world-class Tabernacle organ on Temple Square, as well as to the organ itself. The organists have earned the attention. Credit for the organ’s performance, however, goes not to the organist alone or even to the instrument itself but to two men whose behind-the-scenes efforts have allowed the organ to fulfill its musical potential: the organ technicians."

It goes on to share many details of their responsibilities, and is a very interesting read. You can also find it here, with an accompanying video from inside the case and a photo gallery with wonderful captions.

I highly recommend watching the video and scrolling through the photo gallery. It's a wonderful tour of the Tabernacle Organ.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

It's the anniversary of this blog!

I can't believe it's been a year already! I appreciate all of the comments and views. I never expected to have such a large number of page loads when I began this blog, and I never expected to have viewers from so many countries. I hope it continues to be a valuable resource to you.

Thank you for a great first year!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sunday Song: Auld Lang Syne

Klaus Wünderlich plays Auld Lang Syne.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

I couldn't find a video of an organ solo, so I chose one with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing. Here's a link to a postlude of the piece you can purchase, though:
Mike Carson's Postlude on Ring Out Wild Bells.

Have a great new year! Here's hoping 2011 is wonderful for you.