So far this lesson has focused on when to break and when to tie between repeated notes. Little mention has been made of the SIZE of the break.
You probably realize by now that truly musical hymn playing requires more than simply breaking or tying. If you understand how touch operates in organ playing, you know that a musical line can be rendered much more beautiful by subtle adjustments in touch. Applying touch with control and good judgment is essential to fine hymn playing.
Listen to the first musical example. The repeated notes are treated with clarity and definition, but the result is rather choppy.
In the second musical example, the connections between the notes are varied. There is less silence and more “note,” hence the musical line sounds much smoother.