Dictionary/N

These pages comprise a dictionary of terms relating to the pipe organ. Please keep definitions to a few sentences, and do not include pictures or sound clips. When more space is needed for a term, a new page can be created for it.

 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



Nachthorn [noun] - a flue stop with several different types. In the very early Dutch organ it was a type of Cornet. From about the time of Praetorius on, it was a stopped flute with a highly developed twelfth, between a Gedeckt and a Quintaton. In later periods it can also be found as a wide-scale (but not loud) open flute.

Nasard [noun] - a mutation stop at 2-2/3' (8' series) that sounds the second harmonic, the 12th note above the fundamental (g when C is pressed). Nasard is usually a flute rank and is used mostly for color.

Nebenwerk

Neo-Classic

Nick [noun] one of a set of small notches cut into the languid of a flue pipe, to facilitate its speech.

Nick [verb] the action of applying nicking to a pipe.

Nicking [noun] a set of small notches cut into the languid of a flue pipe.

Nineteenth [noun] - a mutation stop at 1-1/3' (8' series) that sounds the fifth harmonic, the nineteenth note above the fundamental, an octave higher than the Twelfth or Nasard. Usually of diapason pipes and used both for color and in ensemble.

Non-Return Valve

None [noun] - a mutation stop of 8/9' pitch, sounding the 23rd note above the fundamental (d three octaves higher when C is pressed).