The Pipe Organ

James Mitchell is the current Sub-Organist at Gloucester Cathedral. He graduated from Girton College, Cambridge with a Double First, subsequently completing an MPhil in Musicology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He is also an award-winning composer; his music has been published by the RSCM and has been performed at various UK cathedrals and churches, including at the 2021 London Festival of Contemporary Church Music.

• Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction to the organ OverviewOrgan Building Trends Historic OrgansCommon MistakesExtended Techniques Chapter 2: Registration OverviewMain Stop Categories Principals Flutes Strings ReedsOther Categories Foundations Mixtures Mutations Miscellaneous StopsCouplersRegistration Aids General Pistons Divisional Pistons Crescendo Pedal Chapter 3: The Manuals OverviewIdiomatic Writing Non-Chordal Techniques Chordal TechniquesPlaying on Multiple Manuals Chapter 4: The Pedals Overview Idiomatic WritingDouble/Multi-PedallingThe Pedals in Context Chapter 5: Other Types of OrganOverviewChamber OrganHarmoniumTheatre OrganHammond Organ Chapter 6: The Organ in Ensemble OverviewOrgan and ChoirOrgan and Orchestra ConcertosOrgan and Chamber EnsemblesOrgan and Electronics

This concise but remarkably comprehensive book is essential reading for music creators. It fills a significant gap. The organ, despite its great history and exciting contemporary presence, has hitherto hardly figured at all in orchestration guides. Composers will find ideas, encouragement and inspiration within these pages.