How many instruments? Options

[mel2]

Any pianist can play after a fashion on both organ and harpsichord, but without special study it is likely to be pretty poor compared to a specialist harpsichordist or organist.

I know a couple of people who claim to be able to identify whether or not someone trained as an organist or pianist by their organ technique: apparently, first study pianists tend to play the organ as if it's a piano. Any organists here care to comment?

I might have commented at one time but I belong to that despised breed, the pianist/organist, so my views won't count. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

All I can say is that despite my undoubtedly corrupt technique, I am in demand as an organist sorry; cod pianist/organist - and was sought after to play harpsichord in a baroque ensemble.
To say that one cannot be as good at any of these skills as a first study organist/harpsichordist is rather like saying it is less fun to be driven about in a Ford Fiesta than in a Bugatti.

I like the idea of being a well-rounded musician and firmly believe it is possible, nay advisable, to have more than one skill under the belt, although I can understand the objection where embrouchure is concerned.

[Dulcet]

Any pianist can play after a fashion on both organ and harpsichord, but without special study it is likely to be pretty poor compared to a specialist harpsichordist or organist.

I know a couple of people who claim to be able to identify whether or not someone trained as an organist or pianist by their organ technique: apparently, first study pianists tend to play the organ as if it's a piano. Any organists here care to comment?

I might have commented at one time but I belong to that despised breed, the pianist/organist, so my views won't count. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

All I can say is that despite my undoubtedly corrupt technique, I am in demand as an organist sorry; cod pianist/organist - and was sought after to play harpsichord in a baroque ensemble.
To say that one cannot be as good at any of these skills as a first study organist/harpsichordist is rather like saying it is less fun to be driven about in a Ford Fiesta than in a Bugatti.

I like the idea of being a well-rounded musician and firmly believe it is possible, nay advisable, to have more than one skill under the belt, although I can understand the objection where embrouchure is concerned.

I used to believe (firmly & truly) that organists made rotten pianists with no delicacy of touch. Then I heard Harry Bicket play Mozart K488. I stand very corrected.

However there is a significant degree of truth in the truism ;-) and of course the harpsichord isn't very touch sensitive either...

[mel2]

I used to believe (firmly & truly) that organists made rotten pianists with no delicacy of touch. Then I heard Harry Bicket play Mozart K488. I stand very corrected.

However there is a significant degree of truth in the truism ;-) and of course the harpsichord isn't very touch sensitive either...

But what a shame if, because we can't do a thing perfectly, we don't attempt it at all - which is the logical end point of this view.

Down with musical snobbery! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Edit: perhaps that should read: because 'other people' think we are not likely to be able to do a thing perfectly we shouldn't even try.

[Dulcet]

But what a shame if, because we can't do a thing perfectly, we don't attempt it at all - which is the logical end point of this view.

Down with musical snobbery! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Edit: perhaps that should read: because 'other people' think we are not likely to be able to do a thing perfectly we shouldn't even try.

Oh, I don't have any problem with people being "not too bad" on lots of instruments, but if it's the day job you have to make sure that you're not compromising your standard for the paying public I think!

(and surely my sig tells you that I am an offender in the mixed instruments camp!!!)