Joe Routon posted ...Almost all organists swell the instruments
on the free accompaniments, but
some slow the tempo and some don't. Which is more common?

My answer to that would be sometimes yes and sometimes no.
I try to give a great deal of consideration to the text of the
hymn, and register accordingly.  To just use a free harmonizaion
for the sake of doing something "different" would be wrong.
Sometimes there might be a verse that would actually require
"slowing down a bit", and even possibly playing in a minor mode.
Generally though, if I do use an alternate harmonization, I play
at the same tempo.

One consideration might be dropping out completely for a verse,
and then "easing" the organ back in with the congregation.  You
have to be very careful doing this, and know that the
congregation will feel strong enough to lead on with out you
though.

It's always more "safe" doing this when there is a choir
assisting, and that it is something that has been rehearsed
earlier that week.

just an opinion (I have a lot of em).


Jon Bertschinger

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