Examples

Chorale prelude, “Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir” by Johann Pachelbel

The text of this hymn is of jubilant praise, which merits a bold registrational approach. The two manual parts are similar in melodic and rhythmic activity. They may be ideal candidates for trio registration, but they could be played on a single manual since the parts never cross. For this example we will treat them as two independent contrapuntal lines, but will play them both on the Great. The pedal carries the hymn melody in long notes, and could be registered with either with a big 16' combination or with a strong 8' or 4' solo stop.

For this example we will register the pedal part at a fortissimo level and each of the manual parts at a forte. In order to help the pedal stand out, we will use strong 8' and 16' reed stops supported by the full principal chorus (based on 16' pitch) through the mixture. For the manual combination we will use the principal chorus from 8' pitch through the mixture.

An alternative, using trio registration:

  • Great (LH): principals 8' and 4'
  • Swell (RH): cornet
  • Pedal: big 4' reed