[HANASHIR:9093] Jewish organists

[PAPE Janet, IEA/OME <Janet.PAPE...>]

In answer to Rich Glauber's dismay at this discussion, I would like to say
that it's not a matter of the person's religion so much as their exposure to
the service music aesthetic that they are hired to play, i.e. a lack of
education and experience.  There is a particular way of registering the
organ for a Jewish service - more reedy, understated timbres.  But I have
this sensitivity merely from my upbringing, from listening to my home
synagogue's organist through the years.  A professional organist can be
taught the differences, so his registrations don't sound like Bach.  S/he
should also be required to attend a Jewish service where the organ is played
as part of the training for the position.   Actually, attending an a capella
service might also help in understanding the role of the organ in the
service.

Organ departments are always oriented towards repertory for a Christian
service.  Maybe if Kimberly Marshall were to do some workshops on Jewish
repertory at the well-known organ music departments at universities and
conservatories, it would encourage more organists to venture into
synagogues.  

But also, is there still that much demand for organists in synagogues?  Most
good organists wouldn't be interested in playing on the instruments that are
in synagogues.  As to Cantor Contzius' remark that fewer and fewer people
are entering the field, it is no wonder.  The jobs are low paid for the
amount of practice time required, and congregants rarely truly appreciate
the processionals and recessionals, using them as excuses to chatter rather
than as enhancements to meditation. 

It doesn't matter if you are singing/playing in a church or a synagogue -
the approach SHOULD be one of offering a gift, a prayer, to God and creating
the atmosphere to facilitate congregants' prayers. 

Janet Pape 

 

  

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+