This Casavant organ console graces the platform our university church, with thousands of pipes quietly waiting to speak from behind the screens across the front of the sanctuary. I practiced on this organ regularly when I was an undergraduate here, long ago in the 1980's. I was minoring in music then, my emphasis in organ. My senior year I played this wonderful instrument every single school day; I was preparing for my senior recital.During my seven years back here I have rarely played the Casavant organ, despite my special affection for this instrument. It's complicated, and I won't go into it. But this week is an exception.
I have agreed--because they weren't able to find anyone else--to play for our "campmeeting" this coming weekend. It's a yearly summer gathering of churches from eastern Washington, northern Idaho and northeastern Oregon. In the olden days, the church members pitched their own little tents and went to these meetings under a big tent, persevering through the heat and bugs. Now we're inside the cavernous sanctuary with air conditioning, for which I'm thankful even if it's not quite as memorable.
I'm petrified, frankly. I'm completely out of shape. I've been practicing 2 hours every day just to play prelude, a few hymns, offertory and postludes for three services. Unfortunately I care about what people think of my playing ... and by extension, of me. But terror is mixed with the the grand joy of spending two hours each day playing our magnificent organ.
I think all the best experiences in life come with at least a bit of terror lurking about.
That does look like an intimidating instrument! I have played the piano for years in church, but never got the touch of the organ down right. The odd time I have played one left me very stressed. I do love the sound of an organ played well.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'm dealing with a bit of terror right now and it involves putting myself out there in a similar way. Hmm. Maybe not a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI was not a fan of organ music as a kid (well, what kid is!) My gram had one and it was used mostly to goof off on, and the sound of it used to irritate me. Years later the church I attended got a beautiful new one and the organist made that thing sing! And now I do love organ music.