Distribution of Parts
When played on the organ, these voice parts can and, for the sake of variety and interest, should be distributed in various ways between the manual and pedal keyboards. However, the standard or “normal” distribution of the four parts at the organ is as follows:
Soprano, alto, and tenor (all three upper parts) are distributed between the two hands, both of which play on the Great:
- Soprano is played by the right hand.
- Alto is usually played by the right hand, but the left hand sometimes assists.
- Tenor is played by the left hand.
Bass is played by the feet in the Pedal.
In this standard arrangement of parts, the bass part is not normally duplicated by the left hand, but is played by the feet alone. This leaves the hands with only three parts to play instead of four. A true legato touch is made much easier this way.
