Organ (music)

The organ is one of the oldest musical instruments in the western musical tradition, with a rich history connected with the Christian religion and civic ceremony. Its sound output is continuous rather than decaying, i.e., the sound continues for as long as a key is depressed and does not depend on how hard the key is struck-?as is the case with a (velocity sensitive) piano--, and does not automatically decay quickly, like the harpsichord, and clavichord. However, some modern electronic organs have the capacity for velocity sensitivity. Many organs do not have aftertouch (pressure sensitivity) and so do not respond to how hard a key is held down.

See also

• Organ repertoire
• American Guild of Organists
• Pipe organ