Kent Zacherl asks [100225 MMDigest] how the 20-note scale is broken
down, other than the bass notes. The usual split between the melody and
accompaniment sections is that there are 11 melody notes. Of course,
with such a limited scale it is usual for melodies to encroach well
below the 11th note (counting from the highest) so there is no real
defined split.
Small organs have just a single rank of 20 pipes, whereas larger organs
may have multiple ranks throughout the scale. I know of people who
have made their own organs, and arrange their own music, who have
multiple complete ranks of pipes which give a very effective rendition
of classical music. Most commercial organ builders, however, stick to
an 11 note melody where multiple ranks are involved.
Nicholas Simons, GB
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