Redistribution–Organ Literature

Just as in hymn playing, redistribution of the inner part can be useful in playing organ literature. Similar situations occur in organ literature as in the hymns that make it difficult--if not impossible--for the right hand to play both the soprano and alto parts independently:

• parallel sixths
• other moving intervals
• out of range of the right hand
• alto and tenor share common tones
• to simplify the right-hand fingering

The following examples illustrate the use of redistribution in organ literature of a few styles and time periods:

• hymn prelude
• nineteenth-century piece: Mendelssohn Sonata movement
• Bach fugue