Examples

Jubilant hymn, “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” (Adeste fideles)

The registrational plan should reflect the majestic nature of this familiar hymn text and tune. Of the many possible approaches to this hymn is the following:

  • verse 1: jubilant and clear
  • verse 2: lighter, to allow the voices to predominate
  • verse 3: as at first, but even more majestic

The first verse could be represented by a pure principal chorus through the mixture. The resulting clarity and brightness would encourage enthusiastic singing, establishing confidence for the vocally predominant second verse. For this verse, we can retire the mixture and drop out the Pedal. The mixture and Pedal return for verse 3, plus an 8' chorus reed on the manual, and a 16' chorus reed on the Pedal.

  • verse 1--Great: Principals 8', 4', 2', mixture; Swell: Principals or flutes 8', 4', 2', mixture, chorus reed 8'; Pedal: Principal 16', Great to Pedal
  • verse 2--Great: minus mixture
  • verse 3--Great: add mixture, Swell to Great; Pedal: add chorus reed 16', Swell to Pedal