Joel the Organist

Upon completing the previous blog on Joel, I realized most of the attention was on Joel as a listener and appreciator of music, but mention should be made that Joel is also a performing musician with his choice of media being the pipe organ or the electronic organ. In many ways, it is difficult to explain why he prefers the sound and style of the organ over other instruments and it is equally difficult to understand his desire and almost need to play hymns on an organ, and yet, there is no doubt, that Joel loves playing hymns on the organ.

The organ is considered the "king" of all the instruments with its almost infinite combinations of sounds and possibilities of range and dynamic extension not to mention the requirement to use both hands and feet in a complex display of virtuosity and musical comprehension. Organists are generally highly intelligent, detail oriented, multi-dimensioned, with a quiet strength and self-confidence born from playing an instrument with the capability of dominating all other sound.

Unlike a piano which relies on a pedal to provide for a sustained quality, the organ has a smooth, sustained quality that requires a special playing technique of connecting the notes by pressing the next note at the same moment the previous one is lifted. The result is a beautiful non-percussive approach to playing that allows for great expression and elision of musical phrases.

As was mentioned in an earlier blog, Joel's propensity to see the world "non-percussively," optimistically, and harmoniously, and his preference for smooth music without the harsh angles often found in music is manifested in the type of music he enjoys hearing and performing. Related to this is his speech which often lacks definition, articulation, and even volume. He intends to speak clearly, enunciate accurately, and loudly enough to be heard, but the result is often somewhat slurred, hesitant, and at a low dynamic. In an odd, but not necessarily negative way, Joel's speech patterns resemble that of an organ: connected, non-percussive, rich, pleasant, and congenial.

In conclusion, I believe that Joel's preference for hymns and marches is indicative of his general positive demeanor, total tolerance, and acceptance of all things good. I also contend that his desire to practice the organ is an extension of his own unusual approach to speaking and his preference for connected sounds rather than angular, sharp sounds. This is, of course, difficult or maybe impossible to prove, but nevertheless Joel continues to enjoy playing hymns on the organ and he is very happy to practice for several hours a day. His tendency to repeat the same hymn in the same way will be dealt with at another time.