Appropriate Use
The most widely accepted uses of the tremulant for traditional
church settings or in the classical organ tradition are as follows:
- ON A SINGLE SOLO LINE
When one hand plays a single melody line on a separate manual, the
tremulant can add a tasteful undulating effect approaching that
of the human voice. The accompaniment, played by the other hand,
is best without a tremulant.
- ON VERY SOFT STOP COMBINATIONS
When two or more parts are played on a single manual with a very
soft stop or combination, a gently-regulated tremulant can be a
tasteful addition.
USE IT SPARINGLY.
An overused tremulant can become “old.” It is probably
most effective in inverse proportion to the extent of its use--that
is, the less often it is used, the more effective it becomes.