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Basically I was asked to write a piece for pipe organ until tomorrow morning. I've played a pipe organ before, so I sort of know how it works, but I don't have an organ I can play on before tomorrow.
I've composed pieces for piano and string quartets before, but I have never composed anything for organ so far.
Are there any important things I need to know? Any tips?
Know the ranges of the manuals and pedals.
Don't feel you HAVE to specify the mechanics. If you write a section 'f' then a section 'p', the player will automatically set up suitable registrations on a couple of manuals and change between them. And yes, there IS a swell pedal, but you will often play a complete service without using it.
As this has to be done by tomorrow, may we assume this is a transcription rather than a big composing project? Consider giving the organist the piano part. He's very accustomed to translating it into organ terms on-the-fly.
