Play it any way you want.
Filed in: Features
The truth is, if you hear a recording from a modern organist and hear strings, horns, pianos, guitars, choirs and a big gong, then the chances are that the track has been sequenced. We read on other organ websites that more and more audience members want to hear 100% live music - but is this really what they want?
As a child I remember seeing organists in concert and thinking to myself "will this drone ever end" as many players either stuck to organ sounds or strings. With the introduction of exciting features found on todays modern instruments, do we really want to take a step back and stop creating interesting arrangements and big powerful sounds?
To me, its a bit like having sat nav in the car and someone fishing out the map and saying that this is how it should be really done!
I think there are 2 camps when it comes to playing modern organs. Camp 1 is those who know how to sequence, embrace the technology and find their way around with ease, and then there is camp 2. Camp 2, is those who cannot sequence if they tried, in fact, they sound worse when they try recording and so stick to the old way of playing organ. To me there is no right or wrong - if you can sequence, then do so and enhance your sound. If you cannot - then just admit to it and play live - but don't try to belittle the talent of those who can - and trust me, it is a skill to be able to piece together a 12 or 16 track sequence.
Someone once told me that doing something takes effort - and to do nothing in life takes no effort at all, but it is always those who do nothing that moan. So, lets see an end to this play live rubbish and encourage organists to create fantastic tracks using the technology at their disposal.
If you have a viewpoint on this story please click on the HAVE YOUR SAY text just below.
|