Notation for Organ Extended Techniques

The notation of extended techniques on the organ do not have a clear standard. Composers use their own notation or guiding rules to express their sonic expansion on the instrument. Since 1960, the most prolific period on organ experimentation, Ligeti, Kagel and Cage were the first to become known for using non-standard notation on the organ. From this collection of works, the ones from Ligeti are paramount. From the graphical score of Volumina, the long clusters of Harmonies to the fast torrent of notes of Coulée. Kagel develops further with other notations for clusters and graphical gestures in Phantasie für Orgel. Finally, with Cage we find a simpler way of notating long notes and stop changes. Kurt Stone has a chapter on his book, Music Notation in the Twentieth Century, regarding notation on the organ, but it not describes half-drawn re- gisters, half-depressed keys and does not present anything regarding motor or other air manipulations. A clearer notation and explanation is needed for these extended techniques. In an instrument so tied to a functionality, it is pertinent nowadays to re-incorporate these techniques in the contemporary organ repertoire. A new simple notation is presented, alternative to graphical notation or lengthy performance notes. This will create an easy un- derstandable approach.