Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

Jan 29 2025 964 ep. 19 mins 99

Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast artwork

Conversations about all things organ playing. Dr. Vidas Pinkevicius and Dr. Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene talk about organ practice, technique, registration, performance, improvisation, harmony, music theory and other aspects which make up Total Organist.

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SOPP 715: I'd like to play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently

Jan 29 2025 12 mins

Let’s start episode 715 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ben, and he writes:1. Goal: To play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently2. Obstacle: Advanced age (76) although I did study organ at ages 15-17 and violin from age 9 and have a good knowledge of music theory.Fortunately now being semi-retired I

SOPP714: When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster

Jan 22 2025 13 mins

Let’s start episode 714 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin, and she writes: “When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster. In some pieces it is necessary to play one or two or more notes in the first line in the left hand or vice versa. So both hands have to work together. I can

SOPP 713: I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals

Jan 12 2025 14 mins

This question was sent by Jim, and he writes:I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals. It seems that practice would give a very thick and muddy sound to the part written for the manuals. Can you give an instance or example of when it would be appropriate to use a 16' stop for the manuals, or one of the manuals, please? I am

SOPP712: How to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ

Jan 05 2025 13 mins

Let’s start episode 712 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Jim, and he writes:“There is a topic that I, and probably every other church organist on here, would like for you to cover. And that is how to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ.It is a nightmare. Usually if there is a piano available, I will move to the

SOPP711: Do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ?

Dec 29 2024 15 mins

Let’s start episode 711 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Spencer, and he writes:Hello Sir, Please do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ accompanying a choir singing unison with or without descant? This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online.A: It has h

SOPP710: Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community

Dec 21 2024 12 mins

This question was sent by Susanna, and she writes:“Vidas,Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community.I like your idea of a “course” - a guide to how/ what to study to achieve this - I don’t want to take exams - but with an exam course there is a syllabus to follow.Currently incorp

SOPP709: I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks

Dec 11 2024 15 mins

Let’s start episode 709 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Thinh, and Thinh writesHello Vidas,Just let you know that I'm new to the organ. However, I had 3+ years studying classical piano when I was young. I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks (first lesson of Pedal Virtuoso Master Course and not sure if it is too hard for me).

SOPP707: I started with a piece which was marked to be played articulated legato, and I had no idea what it was about

Nov 25 2024 13 mins

Let’s start episode 707 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Fanie. And she writes: Dear Vidas, I am an adult beginner, so I have different needs.1. What is your dream for organ playing? To play chorales in the church and play music which I love, like Bach, Buxtehude, Bohm, Franck, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, Vierne, Widor etc.2. What are 3 most important thi

SOPP708: I’ve started to approach my organ pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress

Mar 13 2024 15 mins

Let’s start episode 708 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn, and she writes:“Hi Vidas,I’m finding your advice very helpful. I’ve started to approach my pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress. I’m recognising finger patterns are better too, which I normally don’t. So thank you for your advice on memo

SOPP706: About our summer organ trips to Poland, Denmark, Ukraine and Latvia

Aug 30 2023 46 mins

Let's start episode 706 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today we decided to discuss a little bit about our last summer organ trips. So we hope you will enjoy our conversation about all the recitals that we played in various countries. You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, yo