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Craig Cramer Organ Reviews

Reviews Organized by Last Name of Composer

Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni. 3 Trumpet Tunes. Edited and arranged for Trumpet and Organ by s. Drummond Wolff. Concordia #97-6049. $4.75.

The sources of these three movements are not identified, although one can guess that they were drawn from Albinoni's considerable body of concerted works. These pieces, brief though they are, would serve admirably well for weddings or other occasions that demand the regal sounds of trumpet and organ. The music is not difficult for either player. Trumpet part included.

Richard C. Baker. A Fancy on "Westminster Abbey." Randall Egan.
Sir David Willcocks. Processional for Organ based on the hymn tune "Westminster Abbey." Roger Dean Publishing Company--a division of the Lorenz Corporation. SM 399. $3.95

These two settings of the noble tune by Henry Purcell contrast with each other in significant ways. Mr. Baker sets the tune as a sprightly chorale trio in 9/8 time with the tune played on a four-foot reed in the pedal. Sir David has cast the tune into a large processional replete with fanfares for full organ that introduce and conclude the work. Both are highly recommended.

Jennifer Bate. Homage to 1685. Novello (Theodore Presser). $12.95.

From the composer's preface: "These pieces were composed in 1985 to celebrate the tercentenary of the births of Bach, Scarlatti and Handel. The first was inspired more by the open textures of the unaccompanied suites than by any theme of Bach. The second and fourth pieces are based on celebrated themes, and the third is mainly over a pizzicato-type bass as used by these composers and their contemporaries."

Each of the four movements is designed to increase facility in various organ techniques: Moto perpetuo (manual and pedal dexterity; rapid changes of keyboard), Gigue on a theme of Scarlatti (articulation of hands and feet in counterpoint; double pedalling; pedal glissandi), Largo (controlled expressive legato playing; phrasing both in accompaniment and the themes used in canon; thumbing on the manual below); Postlude on a theme of Handel (manual virtuosity; crossing hands). The four movements combined last approximately fourteen minutes. Difficult.

John A. Behnke. The Creative Organist: Harmonizations for Hymn Singing. Hope Publishing Company #339. No price listed.

Richard Proulx. Harmonizations. Selah Publishing Co. #106-726. Hymn Intonations, Preludes, & Free Harmonizations, Volume VI. $6.75.

It appears that one can never own too many free hymn accompaniments. These two slim volumes will take their rightful place beside the well-worn collection by T. Tertius Noble, still among the most eloquent utterances in the genre. Both composers set twenty well-known tunes, sometimes offering a choice of key.

Jan Bender. How Brightly Shines the Morning Star. Morning Star Music Publishers. MSM 10-200. $5.00.

This piece in the now familiar contrapuntal style made popular by the last generation of Lutheran composers is a partita on the wonderful Ephiphany chorale by Nicolai. The tune is subjected to the usual contrapuntal treatment--melody in the left hand, two 12/8 variations, a fugal variation, and a bicinium. The mildly dissonant writing will not offend anyone, although there several unprepared harmonic clashes may raise some eyebrows. The composer suggests alternating the organ variations with the congregation, which may be the best way to employ them given the repetitive style of several adjoining variations. Not difficult.

John Bennett. Six Voluntaries for Organ. Edited by H. Diack Johnstone. Novello 01 0211. Copyright 1988.

This is a splendid new edition of these interesting voluntaries, originally published in 1758 as "Ten Voluntaries for the Organ or Harpsichord". According to the editor, these pieces are "not only among the finest of their kind, but also quite the most extended and technically demanding English organ works of the period" (preface). The present edition contains numbers 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 from the original set of ten. Numbers 3, 5, 8, and 10 are of the usual slow-fast type, while numbers 7 (two movements, Vivace-Allegro) and 9 (Adagio-Allegro-Adagio-Allegro-Adagio) deviate from the typical plan. It is indeed a pity that the editor did not include all ten of the works contained in the original collection, despite his purported attempt to give us "the best six.

Bernard Johnson. Canzonet and Caprice. Stainer & Bell. American Agent: Galaxy Music.

Bernard Johnson (1868-1935) composed both of these pieces in the summer of 1911. The Canzonet in E radiates grace and gentility; the Caprice in B, while not easy to play, exudes a charming air of detachment, one that perhaps was perfectly suited to the day. Certainly Johnson understood how to use the British organ to great effect. Recommended for aficionados of turn-of-the-century English organ music and all others who wish to fill in several small gaps in their libraries.

Jacques Berthier. Organ Variations on Six Chorales. GIA Publications, G-3830. $10.00.

Though M. Berthier (well-known for his music of Taizé) blazes no new trails here, the music is competently written. The six settings of well known chorales--In Dulci Jubilo, Lobe den Herren, Mit Freuden Zart, Valet will ich dir geben, Wachet auf, and Wer nur den lieben Gott--contain between three and six variations. A useful tool has been supplied by GIA in the form of a table that shows where the chorale tunes may be found in major American hymnals.

B. Wayne Bisbee. From the Serene to the Whimsical: Hymn Introductions for Organ. Augsburg Fortress 11-10561. $14.00.

These brief works--there are forty-one in all--delight while providing an alternative form of hymn introduction. The tunes represented here range from the familiar (Dix, Gloria, Italian Hymn, Lobe den Herren, Salzburg, The Ash Grove) to the less so (Ackley, Jesu, meines Lebens Leben, Naar mit Oie, New Malden, Tandanei). Rarely difficult, well written, very usable, highly recommended.

Paul Bouman. Partita on This Joyful Eastertide. Concordia 97-6060. $4.50.

This work on the familiar hymn-tune "Vruechten" contains the obligatory bicinium, two canons, a variation in the style of a pastorale, and a toccata finale. Though one might hope for more involved four-part textures throughout, the work will find a place in the "easily-learned" pile with which we all become intimately acquainted by the end of Lent. Not difficult.

Rondo for Organ. Attributed to John Bull. Arranged by S. Drummond Wolff. Morning Star. MSM 10-905. $4.00.

Mr. Wolff continues his long series of quality transcriptions with this familiar work. A publisher's note informs us that although "for many years this work was attributed to John Bull. . .the British Museum, which houses much [sic] of Bull's manuscripts, has discredited that attribution on the basis that it does not have a scintilla of evidence." This transcription sounds like music one would hear in a broadcast on a tel-evangelist program or played badly by someone demonstrating the electronic imitation organ instruments at the shopping mall. Even begging the larger question of the place of such transcriptions in the organ literature, anyone who is drawn to such pieces as this is perhaps not overly concerned about questions of authenticity.

Michael Burkhardt. Praise and Thanksgiving: Hymn Improvisations. Set 1. Morning Star Music Publishers. MSM 10-751. Copyright 1989. $4.50

Michael Burkhardt. Praise and Thanksgiving: Hymn Improvisations. Set 2. Morning Star Music Publishers. MSM 10-752. Copyright 1989. $6.00

Morning Star has given us eight more very useful chorale preludes on well-known hymn tunes. Especially inventive are Burkhardt's improvisations on "O dass ich Tausend," "Lobe den Herren," "Earth and All Stars," and "Allein Gott in der Höh." These pieces make ideal preludes or interludes for hymn singing. Not difficult.

Charles Callahan. The Christmas Tree: Nine Carol Preludes for Organ. Randall M. Egan Publisher, EO-315. No price indicated.

Although one would never mistake this for profound music, there is no disputing Mr. Callahan's lyrical gift. There is nothing to batter or offend the listener here, only soothing mood music appropriate for the occasion. Mr. Callahan has an ear for what works, and his settings are always idiomatic, well-composed, easy to sight-read, and effective. If you are searching for new organ preludes for Midnight Mass, look no further. The tunes are familiar and include Silent Night, I Wonder as I Wander, Infant Holy, Ding Dong Merrily on High, People Look East, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Cold December Flies Away, The Cradle, and Once in Royal David's City.

Charles Callahan. Meditation on a Medieval Hymn-Tune (Divinum Mysterium). Randall Egan, #EO-302. $4.50.

Here are some good bets for the upcoming Christmas Season. Charles Callahan's handling of "Divinum Mysterium" is facile with many moments of lush harmony and catchy turns of phrase. The composer presents the melody only in paraphrase.

Charles Callahan. A Patriotic Prelude for Trumpet and Organ. Concordia 97-6075. $5.75
This prelude contains three patriotic tunes skillfully spun together in a medley. The trumpet part carries the tunes: Materna (O Beautiful for Spacious Skies), National Hymn (God of Our Fathers), and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Trumpet part in B-flat included.

David Cherwien. Interpretations based on Hymn-tunes. Book VII. AMSI
Sp-104. $7.50

David Cherwien. Seasonal Interpretations: Lent-Easter. Summa Productions/AMSI. SP-112. $13.95.

From the composer's preface we learn that, "it has been my intent in these pieces to capture, or 'interpret,' the text of the hymn; hence the title of the collection. In each of these works, I have interpreted the first stanza of the hymn named. Since the compositions are so closely bound tot he poetry of the hymn-writers, they would be most effectively used in conjunction with the hymns as preludes, as introductions, or as incidental music within the service where the hymn is sung. Settings in Book VII include O quanta qualia; Italian Hymn; Mabune; Jefferson; Hyfrydol; Wittenburg New; Was Gott tut; Puer nobis; beach Spring; Kirken den er et gammelt Hus. Those in the Lent-Easter volume include Vruechten; Were You There; Herzlich tut mich verlangen; Noël Nouvelet; Seelenbräutigam; Truro; and Berglund. Highly recommended.

Andrew Clarke. Pastoral Dance on Simple Gifts. Gemini Press Organ Series. Available from Theodore Presser. $4.95.

One wishes that the talents of Mr. Clarke--organist, composer, improvisateur--were more readily available in published form. This wonderful setting of a familiar tune (how can we ever tire of these noble American tunes) has much to recommend it: well-crafted counterpoint, a captivating ritornello, deft accompanimental touches. Simple, very appealing, and highly recommended.

Andrew Clarke. Pastorale on "The Humble Heart". Gemini Press Organ Series, #493-00064. Available from Theodore Presser. $4.95.

As noted previously in these pages, one wishes that the lyrical works of Mr. Clarke--gifted organist, composer, improvisateur--were more readily available in published form. This wonderful setting of a Shaker tune has much to recommend it, and it would be difficult to imagine ever growing tired of this marvelous melody or the well-crafted setting. Simple, very appealing, and highly recommended.

The Organ Works of Clarence Dickinson. Twenty-Five Organ Solos. H. W. Gray Publications GB9506. $15.95.

Clarence Dickinson (1873-1969), a student of Guilmant, was organist of Brick Presbyterian Church in New York and a professor at the Union Theological Seminary School of Music. His long and distinguished career as organist, composer, and pedagogue served as a model for many of this country's finest church musicians.

This collection includes transcriptions and arrangements (including works by Chopin, Dvorak, Enesco, Guilmant, Paderewski, Pierné, and Schubert), as well as eleven original compositions. Although his organ music has not entered the standard repertory, this collection sheds much light on the style of American organ playing and organ composition that was popular in the first half of this century.

Emma Lou Diemer. Eight Hymn Preludes for Organ. Augsburg Fortress Press,
#11-10349. $7.00.

Ms. Diemer's writing is facile and creative without resorting to trite effects. This volume contains inventive chorales preludes on less well-known folk tunes of English, Spanish, American, African American, Israeli, Native American and Puerto Rican origins. Not difficult.

Theodore Dubois. Sortie. Edited by Kenneth Saslaw. The Eagn Classic Organ Series. Randall Egan Publishers.

This publication contains the last of Dubois's Dix Pièces. It is a perpetual-motion toccata in the grand French manner. Although the inflated, bombastic style seems somewhat inflated to late-twentieth century ears, the piece nonetheless would make a grand effect for a festive postlude or as a concert encore.

Easy Graded Organ Music. Edited by C. H. Trevor. Compiled by Robert Gower. Oxford. Two volumes. No prices listed.

From the Compiler's Note: "These two volumes of easy graded organ music represent the best pieces from C. H. Trevor's Organ Books 1-6 and are designed to provide a selection of practical, accessible, and enjoyable pieces for players who take up the instrument. Some of the shorter pieces are included to improve technical security, while the more substantial ones explore musical interpretation and provide material suitable both for use in services and occasions of broader appeal. The pieces in each book are arranged in order of difficulty, so that a feeling of steady progress can develop." The collections contain fifth-five pieces drawn from the standard repertoire.

Marcel Dupré. Eight Short Preludes on Gregorian Themes, Op. 45. Summy-Birchard 0604. $5.95.

Jeanne Demessieux. Twelve Choral Preludes on Gregorian Chant Themes. Summy-Birchard 0603. $6.95.

Devotées of music by Dupré and Demessieux (1921-1968) will rejoice at the re-appearance of these two long-out-of-print collections. The Dupré pieces (first published in 1948 by McLaughlin & Reilly in Boston) are virtually able to be sight-read in most cases. The Gregorian themes include "Salve Regina," "Pange Lingua" (Tantum Ergo), "Alma Redemptoris Mater," and "Verbum Supernum" (O Salutaris).

The Demessieux pieces (1950) were also originally published by McLaughlin & Reilly. Demessieux was at her best in the magnificent choral fugue on "Hosanna Filio David" and the lively set of variations on "O Filii," but all of these pieces are charming and deserve to be revived and played frequently.

Kenneth Gange. Wedding Music: Suite for Organ. J. B. Cramer (distributed by Boosey & Hawkes). $8.00

This suite contains three original pieces: Prelude (Bridal March), Cantilene, and Postlude. The writing is tame and breaks no new ground, but for those of us who long ago grew tired of the standard processional and recessional repertory, these well-constructed miniatures are a welcome breath of fresh air.

G. F. Handel. Music from the Royal Fireworks. Edited and Arranged for Organ and Brass by S. Drummond Wolff. Concordia 97-6073. $8.75

These arrangements for brass (two trumpets in B-flat and two trombones), timpani, and organ of this familiar music by Handel would make an effective contribution to any festive celebration. The arrangements are idiomatic and not difficult to play. Instrumental parts included.

Edward Elgar. Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 87a. Arranged for Organ by Ivor Atkins. Edited by Bryan Hesford. Fentone F442. No price indicated

From Mr. Hesford's preface we learn that, "Edward Elgar's Sonata No. 2 for Organ opus 87a, first appeared as the 'Severn Suite' opus 87 for brass band. Written in 1930 as a test piece for the Crystal Palace Brass Band Festival of that year, the Suite had five movements. . . In 1932 Elgar arranged the Suite for orchestra, and the first performance, in this form, took place at the Worcester Festival. . .Ivor Atkins (1869-1953) Organist of Worcester Cathedral and a close friend of the composer, arranged four of the suite's movements to form the second organ sonata which received its first performance at an Organ Music Society recital the following year." For Elgar fans!

Gabriel Faure, arranged by Douglas Wagner. Impressions on a French Noel for Organ with Optional C-Instrument and Handbells. The Sacred Music Press. SM 392. $3.95.

This lovely setting by Faure of the familiar French carol, Il est ne le divin enfant was originally scored for a unison vocal line accompanied by organ, harp, oboe, two violoncelli and contrabass. Mr. Wagner has arranged this work so that it can be performed in a variety of ways, including as an organ solo, organ with C-Instrument, Organ and Handbells (three octaves) with or without the C-Instrument. This piece would make a very nice Christmas Eve prelude.

Alfred Fedak. Hymn Intonations, Preludes, & Free Harmonizations. Selah Publishing Company 160-723. $6.50.

Fedak has harmonized twenty-four well-known hymn tunes. This colleciton is Volume 3 in Selah's series of Hymn Intonations, Preludes, and Free Harmonizations.

Alfred V. Fedak. In Paradisum. Selah Publishing Co. #160-662. $4.00.

Mr. Fedak's pleasant little piece based on the famous Plainsong melody from the Requiem Mass would serve wonderfully at a funeral. Not difficult, but very effective.

A Collection of Hymn for Organ. Arranged by Alfred V. Fedak. Warner Brothers Publications. DM9601. $7.95

Mr. Fedak presents sixteen different hymn-tunes (some of them set as partitas) in addition to Incantations based on chants from the Synagogue, a Processional, and a Trumpet Processional. The writing, as usual, is effective; Mr. Fedak shows his style to best advantage in works such as the jaunty toccata on "Gelobt sei Gott" or the well-constructed variations on "Freu dich sehr." Recommended.

John Ferguson. A Christmas Triptych based on 3 Noels. Morning Star. MSM 10-103. $4.00.

John Ferguson has set "Une jeune Pucelle," "What is this Lovely Fragrance," and "Lo Desembre Congelat" with his usual charm and humor. The writing is facile and creative without resorting to trite effects.

Hans Gál. Toccata, Op. 29. Alfred Lengnick & Co. (Surrey, England). Available from Theodore Presser. $14.75.

This work represents the only work for solo organ by the Austrian composer Hans Gál who took up a teaching post at the University of Edinburgh in 1945. The work was composed in 1928 and originally published by Simrock (Berlin). Gál laid out the work in three broad sections. The first ("Allegro") employs a tune in quarter notes in the top voice over brilliant sixteenth-note figuration in the left hand. Further working out of this material eventually gives way to a brief Andante. The final section is a sophisticated fugue that begins slowly ("lento tranquillo") and builds in speed and intensity to a tumultuous close. Midway through this section Gál combined the fugue subject with the Andante theme. Whether this seldom performed work will take its place in the repertoire remains to be seen. However, the re-publication in this edition at least lends hope that it will receive more well-deserved performances. Difficult.

Kenneth Gange. Wedding Music: Suite for Organ. J. B. Cramer (distributed by Boosey & Hawkes). $8.00

This suite contains three original pieces: Prelude (Bridal March), Cantilene, and Postlude. The writing is tame and breaks no new ground, but for those of us who long ago grew tired of the standard processional and recessional repertory, these pieces might well serve as welcome relief.

Richard T. Gore. Fantasy on Down Ampney. Augsburg Fortress Press, #11-5925. $5.00.

This partita on the great hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams consists of a harmonization of the tune in the tenor followed by five variations. While there is much creative material here (especially in the facile trio with the melody in the pedal), Mr. Gore more often seems content to slip into a mundane contrapuntal style. For example, the two-voice embellished variation (No. 3) contains altogether too much trite and predictable writing to hold the listener's interest. One is left slightly bewildered at the purpose of such music, especially since much of the score is far from sight-reading material (as in the "Canonic Toccata: Hommage à Mulet," replete with Hollywood ending).

Anita Graves. Partita on Heinlein for Organ. Augsburg Fortress Press #11-10398. $5.50.

Ms. Graves presents a chorale and seven variations in a familiar format: duo, cantus firmus in the pedals, a slow meditation, an ornamented version, trio, a chromatic setting, and toccata (in the style of Mendelssohn?). Not difficult.

Leipziger Orgelmusik des 19. Jahrhunderts. Ed. by Anne Marlene Gurgel. Edition Breitkopf 8603.

This magnificently edited volume contains twenty-eight compositions by nine lesser-known composers including Wilhelm Rust, one of the editors of the Bach Gesellschaft. There is much to admire here, especially in the trios and contrapuntal studies, as one would expect in the city of J. S. Bach's last post. The only small quibble with the volume is the several chorale preludes that "were transposed to the keys of the 'Evangelisches Gesangbuch' wherever this was possible without manipulating the substance of the piece." Recommended.

Raymond H. Haan. Three Hymn Partitas. Concordia #97-6080. $9.95.

These three brief variation sets are in turn wonderfully lyrical ("Innocents"), energetic ("Nettleton"), and contrapuntally inventive ("Schmücke dich"). Not difficult.

Naji Hakim. Mariales. United Music Publishers. Theodore Presser selling agent. UMP Organ Repertoire Series No. 22. $15.50.

The composer tells us that "Mariales (1993) is a set of five easy pieces, each one built on a gregorian theme. Incantation, Pastorale, Antienne, Hymne and Danse paraphrase respectively the following chants: Mater admirabilis, Regina coeli, Salve Regina, Virgo Dei genitrix and Ave maris stella . The general piano dynamic accompanies the serene character of the suite." This work is very much in the style of Hakim's teacher, Jean Langlais, to whose memory it is dedicated. Highly recommended.

Naji Hakim. Sinfonia In Honore Sancti Ioannis Baptist. United Music Publishers. UMP Organ Repertoire Series, No. 34. Distributed by Theodore Presser. $25.00.

From the preface of this major new work by the organist of La Trinité in Paris we read that "the first part of this triptych is a set of variations on the gregorian hymn to Saint John the Baptist, Ut queant laxis. The central movement, Ecce agnus Dei, is based on a basque Agnus and follows a Bar form. The finale, In Spiritu et Igni, built on the same Agnus , is a joyous fire dance, featuring in its middle section an ethereal contemplation of the Spirit of Love." Very difficult, but probably well worth the effort. Highly recommended.

G. F. Handel. Music from the Royal Fireworks. Edited and Arranged for Organ and Brass by S. Drummond Wolff. Concordia 97-6073. $8.75

These arrangements for brass (two trumpets in B-flat and two trombones), timpani, and organ of this familiar music by Handel would make an effective contribution to any festive celebration. The arrangements are idiomatic and not difficult to play. Instrumental parts included.

George Frideric Handel. Six Fugues or Voluntarys for Organ or Harpsichord. Edited by H. Diack Johnstone. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0 19 375437 1.

These jaunty fugues should amuse and captivate all lovers of Handel's music (and who can resist it?). The fugue subject of Fuga II alone would be worth the price of admission, what with its seven-fold repetition of the sub-dominant note giving way at the last minute to a tri-tone leap! To be sure the inconsistent voice-leading will bother those who have studied Bach's fugues, but then the intent here was probably less enlightenment and erudition than it was pure entertainment and delight. Despite many would-be imitators of this keyboard style (John Stanley and his crowd), no one came close to the high-stepping good cheer and lofty spirit displayed in this music. These magnificently well edited works are a worthy addition to any organist's library.

Robert Hebble. For the Masses: Organ Improvisations for the Roman Catholic Church. The Sacred Music Press. KK 430. $5.95.

In his Foreword, the composer has written, "With the advent of hymn singing with English texts in the Roman Catholic church, emphasis shifted and some of the traditional Roman hymnody and plainsong melodies have been somewhat neglected in churches today. This collection provides new organ settings for some of these beloved melodies from the past with the hope that they might become more well known to a new generation. The tunes include Veni Creator Spiritus, Stabat Mater, "Immaculate Mary," Salve Regina Coelitum, O Salutaris Hostia, Asperges Me, Conditor Alme Siderum, "Pleading Savior," Victimae Paschali Laudes, and Attende Domine. While it is difficult to imagine that most people in the pew are not overly familiar with some of these melodies (is there anyone alive who has not sung "Immaculate Mary" or "Hail, Holy Queen, Enthroned Above" five thousand times?), the idea is a good one. The settings are straight-forward and easy to perform.

Wilbur Held. Four Advent Hymn Preludes, Set. 2. Morning Star Music. MSM 10-012. $8.00.

The ever-more prolific Mr. Held never disappoints. The four settings here of "Jefferson," "Conditor alme siderum," "O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf," and "Wachet auf" contain much to ponder for younger composers of chorale preludes who would lay claim to the throne. Mr. Held knows how to compose idiomatic music for the organ with proper voice-leading combined with original accompanimental motives. The selection of tunes makes this an attractive collection. Recommended.

Herbert Howells. Organ Sonata No. 1 in C Minor. Edited by Graham Matthews and Robin Wells.

A work of hefty proportions (it lasts twenty-six minutes), this work dates from the earliest period of Howells's creative output (1911). The manuscript has only recently come to light, and the present edition is the first for this important work. Howells cast the Sonata in three movements: "Allegro moderato" (in Sonata form), "Molto quieto," and "Poco lento and Fugue." A significant addition to the literature, and a "must" for all lovers of the mystical style of Herbert Howells.

David Hurd. Three Fugues. Selah Publishing Co. #160-840. $5.75.

Mr. Hurd composed these short fugues in honor of a colleague, a Professor of Liturgics at General Theological Seminary from 1971 until his retirement in 1989. Each of the three fugue themes spells out one of the names of the honoree: the first fugue spells out "Thomas," the second "Julian," and the third "Talley." Mr. Hurd employs the same system of musical spelling that was used by Duruflé in his hommage to Alain. Pedals are not required; moderately difficult.

David Hurd. On the Name Maurice Duruflé. Saint Cecilia Series. H. W. Gray GSTC9701. $3.95

Mr. Hurd has written, "This work, of approximately six minutes [sic] duration, is based upon the pitches yielded by the letters of the name of the composer Maurice Duruflé. In the same manner in which Duruflé himself derived melodic material from his Prélude and Fugue sur le nom d'Alain, which honors the memory of his friend and fellow composer Jehan Alain, I have south to derive and develop a piece on the name of Duruflé. I hope that it brings honor to the memory of this composer whose works I have always greatly admired." Recommended.

Karen Keene. Twelve Improvisations on Familiar Hymns for Congregational Singing. H. W. Gray, GB9505. $9.95.

Joel Martinson. Madison Organ Book. H. W. Gray, GB9513. $7.95.

As noted earlier here, one seems never to have enough books of hymn harmonizations on hand. Karen Keene provides an introduction and at least one free accompaniment for each of the twelve hymns presented here. The settings of Gelobet sei Gott, In dulci jubilo, and Lasst uns erfreuen are particularly engaging. This collection includes a "Hymn for the Dedication of an Organ," four stanzas sung to Lasst uns erfreuen and available to be reproduced for congregational singing.

Mr. Martinson, the distinguished musician/composer at St. Rita Church in Dallas, gives us six well-written arrangements composed for the Midwest Regional Convention of the Association of Lutheran Church musicians held in Madison, Wisconsin in June 1994. The settings usually include an introduction and one reharmonization. This is a useful set: Christ lag in Todesbanden, Christe Sanctorum, CWM Rhondda, Gelobt sei Gott, Nettleton (wonderful!), and Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara. Recommended.

Gordon Kerry. Sidereus Nuncius. United Music Publishers (London), 1989. $10.25.

Gordon Kerry (b. 1961), born in Melbourne, Australia, has written of this work: "The title translates as either the 'starry messenger' or the 'starry message', an ambiguity in view of the varying symbols of stars in mythologies including the Christian and Greek. More importantly, however, the title is that of a book by Galileo in which the great astronomer described the discoveries he made with the telescope. These were three in number, and correspond to the three linked sections of the piece." The work contains aleatoric elements, although it is of only moderate difficulty.

Jacobus Kloppers. 3 Christmas Hymns. Morning Star. MSM 10-105. $5.50.

The settings of "Adestes Fideles," "Lo, How a Rose," and "Silent Night" by Jacobus Kloppers are dense and complex. The rewards here, however, are many and well worth the effort to learn.

Keith Kolander. All Things are Thine: An Organ Collection. "Vruechten," "Middlebury," "Easter Hymn," "Thine," "Royal oak," "Es ist das Heil," "Beatus vir," "O du Liebe meiner Liebe." Augsburg Fortress. 11-10931. No price indicated.

Mr. Kolander seems to hit the mark every time. These are imaginative settings that exalt and delight. People of all faiths who admire Carl Schalk's tune "Thine" (accompanying the text of "Thine the Amen") will be gratified to learn Mr. Kolander's wonderful partita on this tune. Although these pieces are not always able to be sight-read, don't let that put you off, and don't miss them.

Laudate: Organ Music Based on the 100 Most Popular Hymns in Worship III and Gather. Edited by James W. Kosnik. Concordia. Volume I: CPH 97-6487; Volume II: CPH 97-6508. Each volume $15.00.

This new series, edited by James Kosnik of Old Dominion University, contains organ music in a variety of styles and by many composers. The series is specifically aimed at Roman Catholic organists who use Gather and Worship III in their parishes. Dr. Kosnik has chosen organ music that will "assist the parish organist in selecting organ music which will encourage people to pick up their hymnals and unite their voices in sacred congregational song." Many of the settings are for manuals alone.

Composers represented here will be familiar to regular readers of these pages: James Biery, Donald Busarow, Charles Callahan, David Cherwien, Robert Hobby, John Leavitt, Haig Mardirosian, Walter Pelz, Kevin Sadowski, Lynn Trapp, Wilber Held, while others are less well-known but equally creative.

There is much to admire here. For the most part the writing is not difficult. Highly recommended.

Laudate: Organ Music Based on the 100 Most Popular Hymns in Worship III and Gather. Edited by James W. Kosnik. Concordia. Volume V: CPH 97-6713. $15.00.

This series, edited by James Kosnik of Old Dominion University, contains organ music in a variety of styles and by many composers. The series is specifically aimed at Roman Catholic organists who use Gather and Worship III in their parishes. Dr. Kosnik has chosen organ music that will "assist the parish organist in selecting organ music which will encourage people to pick up their hymnals and unite their voices in sacred congregational song."

Composers represented here will be familiar to regular readers of these pages: James Biery, Charles Callahan, Carol Doran, Kevin Hildebrand, Stephen Johnson, John Leavitt, Janet Linker, Robert Powell, and Lynn Trapp.

There is much to admire here. For the most part the writing is not difficult. Highly recommended.

Laudate: Organ Music Based on the 100 Most Popular Hymns in Worship III and Gather. Edited by James W. Kosnik. Concordia. Volume VI: CPH 97-6792. $18.00.

This series, edited by James Kosnik of Old Dominion University, contains organ music in a variety of styles and by many composers. The series is specifically aimed at Roman Catholic organists who use Gather and Worship III in their parishes. Dr. Kosnik notes that Laudate! 6 seeks to provide compositions that highlight the increasing number of ethnic songs that enhance congregational repertoire. African, African American, and Hispanic song continually enrich our worship settings. It is, therefore, fitting that Laudate! 6 is premiered to be a continually expanding source of organ literature for the Church."

Composers represented here include Adolphus Hailstork, Lynn Petersen, Anne Krentz Organ, and Lynn Trapp.

There is much to admire here. For the most part the writing is not difficult. The volume includes a cumulative index to the six volumes that have appeared so far. Highly recommended.

Jean Langlais. Christmas Carol Hymn Settings. H. T. FitzSimons. FO627. $10.00.

The settings by Jean Langlais are far from routine settings of six popular tunes: "Angels We Have Heard on High," "He is Born," "In Dulci Jubilo," "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Silent Night." Some of settings are so difficult as to be of questionable use, but others, such as "Joy to the World" display Langlais at his vibrant, witty best.

Robin Langley, Editor. English Organ Music. An anthology from Four Centuries in Ten Volumes.

This impressive collection aims "to provide a measured survey of the first four hundred years of English music as directed specifically towards the organ in both its sacred and secular spheres" (preface). As such, these ten volumes include pieces from the earliest known English organ music of the sixteenth century ((Ambrose, Redford, Preston) through Samuel Sebastian Wesley in the nineteenth century.

Although much of the music contained in this anthology appears elsewhere, some of the volumes contain music that is not generally well-known or is diffictul to obtain in a reliable edition. Particularly noteworthy in this regard are volumes seven (The Duet Repertoire 1530-1830 which contains music for four hands and four feet) and eight (The Concerto Repertoire 1740-1815 which includes solo concertoes by Felton, Hayes, Stanley, Charles Wesley, and Hook).

In the great tradition of English music editors, Langley gives us extremely
detailed critical notes that include sources of the texts, editorial method, and a preface that includes performance suggestions (registration, ornamentation, and critical commentary for each piece). The collection is, in short, superbly editied and could serve as a model for such ventures. It would be difficult to recommend this collection too highly.

David Lasky. Ten Introductions on Hymns for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Volume. I. H. W. Gray. $7.95.

The composer intends for these pieces to serve in a variety of ways: as an introduction, interlude, or postlude to a hymn, or even ". . . with some minor rhythmic adjustments, as alternate accompaniments for hymn singing." The tunes include typical ones: "The First Noel," "Gloria," "Mendelssohn," "Antioch," "Adeste Fideles," "Veni, Veni Emmanuel," "St. Louis," "Winchester New," "Kings of Orient," and "Dix." Not difficult.

Robert Lau. Two Christmas Preludes. Augsburg Fortress 11-8667. $4.00.

Robert Lau's treatment of "Away in a Manger" and "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" are brief, lyrical settings that would serve well as hymn introductions.

John Leavitt. Three Organ Settings for the Christmas Season. Morning Star.
MSM 10-106. $4.50.

John Leavitt, as usual, brims with creative and captivating ideas in his settings of "Lo Desembre Congelat," "Bright and Glorious is the Sky," and "Freu dich sehr."

Hymn Preludes for the Church Year. Arranged by John Leavitt. Augsburg Fortress 11-10134. $6.00.

Just when one vows never to buy another collection of contemporary American chorale preludes (they seem to multiply in the file drawers!), a collection such as this one makes the task of collecting such volumes a supreme pleasure.

Here Mr. Leavitt elevates the contemporary chorale prelude to more than mere background music. These artfully constructed miniatures are inventive, witty when appropriate, lyrical, and employ counterpoint that seems to leap off the page and dance. The tunes range from the very familiar (Ein feste Burg, In Babilone, Antioch) to those less so (Tempus adest floridum, Narodil se Kristus pán). Highly recommended.

John Leavitt. A Little Nativity Suite. Augsburg Fortress Press, #11-10351. $7.00.

As noted previously in a review of this composer's "Hymn Preludes for the Church Year", there is much to admire in Mr. Leavitt's style. The writing is facile and creative without resorting to trite effects. This volume, although not a suite as advertised, actually contains six inventive chorales preludes on familiar Advent and Christmas tunes: Veni, Emmanuel; Puer nobis; Mendelssohn; Vom Himmel hoch; Schönster Herr Jesu; and Morning Star. If you plan to use these tunes during the Advent/Christmas season, order this little volume today and be the first on your block to enjoy these captivating miniatures. Enthusiastically recommended.

Louis Lefébure-Wély. Favourite Organ Music. Book I: Nine Easy Pieces. Ed. by David Sanger. Oxford. No price listed.

Louis Lefébure-Wély. Favourite Organ Music. Book II: Five Concert Pieces. Ed. by David Sanger. Oxford. No price listed.

If the music of Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély (1817-1870) is your cup of tea, then these two volumes will be of great interest. The pieces presented here are carefully edited and magnificently printed. Mr. Sanger has eloquently summarized M. Lefébure-Wély's style: "Undoubtedly all the pieces in these two volumes. . .were intended for liturgical use. The Preludes would have acted as voluntaries before the mass, the Sorties as postludes, and other movements. . .at appropriate times during the celebration. The Pastorales, Versets, Elévations, and Communions were sentimental, heartfelt compositions, while the Offertoires, Marches, and Sorties were usually loud, sometimes vulgar, pieces akin to the banal Parisian operetta choruses popular at the time." Enough said.

Alain Louvier. Quatre Alleluias. Leduc. Theodore Presser selling agent. $11.50.

M. Louvier won the 1983 "Concours international de composition pour orgue de Saint-Rémy-de-Provence" with this work. He tells us that "these four short pieces, free variations on the Easter Alleluia, can be used in teaching at the intermediate level." He had the nine-stop choir organ at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in mind, suggesting that these pieces could be registered on a one-manual organ provided with divided stops. The extended aleatoric passages coupled with extremely virtuosic writing indicate that this work lies well beyond the reach of most "intermediate players" with whom this writer has been associated.

Alan MacMillan. In Paradisum. Paraclete Press. PPM09510.

This work is based on the familiar Chant Antiphon for the Burial Office. Dr. MacMillan, who teaches at Greeville College in Brockville, Ontario, created a lovely and spacious fantasia that begins softly, builds to full organ, breaks into a French toccata, and finally subsides to a soft ending. Dr. MacMillan provides cuts "which make for a more meditative piece suitable for service use."

Joel Martinson. Partita on "Christ is Arisen". Paraclete Press, PPM09513. No price listed.

People who have come to know and admire Mr. Martinson's work do not need to be convinced of his considerable skills as a composer. This partita on the tune "Christ ist erstanden" contains four movements: a harmonization of the chorale, a sprightly trio, a neo-Baroque evocation entitled Dialogue, and a fugal Finale. This is not music to be tossed off lightly on Easter for the rhythmic variety and originality alone preclude sight-reading. However, the riches are many and the reward great to those who plumb the depths of this fine work.

William Mathias. Organ album. Oxford University Press. Copyright 1986. ISBN 0 19 375550 5. $7.75.

William Mathias. Berceuse. Oxford University Press. Copyright 1986. ISBN 0 19 375549 1. $7.95.

These two volumes by William Mathias (b. 1934) contain all but five of Mathias's compositions for organ. Many (all?) of the pieces in the "Organ Album" have previously been published, often in anthologies published by Oxford. For example, the "Processional originally appeared in "Modern Organ Music", Book1 (©1965), "Postlude" in "An Album of Postludes" (©1964), and "Chorale" in "Easy Modern Organ Music" (©1967). It is interesting to note that the "Berceuse" occupies twelve printed pages and costs $7.95, while the "Organ Album" is printed on thirty-three pages and costs $7.75. The "Organ Album" contains Mathias's "Recessional," "Processional," "Jubilate." Extremely well-crafted in a readily accessible modern idiom “Organ Album" also contains Mathias's "Postlude," "Canzonetta," "Chorale," and "Toccata Giocosa." This gifted and prolific composer uses a mildly dissonant tonal language, always highly idiomatic for the instrument, as we have come to expect from Mathias. Often challenging to perform well, the effort is well worth it. The works contained in these two volumes are extremely well-crafted. Although many of these pieces present technical and musical challenges the pieces are well worth the effort.

Philip Moore. Fanfare for St. John's. Randall M. Egan, Publisher. $3.95

The Fanfare for St. John's takes its name from the church that commissioned the work--St. John's Kirk, Perth, Scotland--to celebrate the restoration of their organ. Would that all organ dedications resulted in works of this quality. The piece makes use of a large reed (en chamade or otherwise) if one is available. Though brief, Mr. Moore (Organist-Choirmaster at York Minster) breathes new life and vigor into the well-worn genre that is the organ fanfare. Moderately difficult.

Chant de la Creuse. Two settings by César Franck and Henri Mulet. Randall Eagan Publishers, 20204 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405. Ed. by Kenneth Saslaw.

Henri Mulet. Méditation Religieuse. Randall Eagan Publishers, 20204 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405. Ed. by Kenneth Saslaw.

Henri Mulet. Offertoire sur un Alleluia Grégorien. Randall Eagan Publishers, 20204 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405. EO-129 Ed. by Kenneth Saslaw.

Henri Mulet. Prière. Randall Eagan Publishers, 20204 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405. Ed. by Kenneth Saslaw.

Everyone who has been hoping for a Mulet revival will take heart with the appearance of these publications. Given the obvious difficulties associated with procuring some of these long out-of-print works, Eagan has provided a wonderful service.

None of these works is a masterpiece, but they are all pleasant enough to play and hear. The two settings of the Chant de la Creuse are both sight-reading material that might serve well as liturgical filler. Mr. Saslaw tells us that the Méditation Religieuse "represents both Mulet's first composition, and his first published work. It was written and printed in 1896 when the composer was eighteen years old. . ." The Offertoire ("pour la fête du Très-Saint Rosaire") appears to be the most substantive of all of the works reviewed here. The Prière, apparently the second work that Mulet composed for the organ, is a tone-poem on the Forty-Second Psalm, a work that appeared originally in 1902.

Gerald Near. Choraleworks: Ten Chorale Preludes for Organ. Aureole Editions (Paraclete Press, PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653). Set I AE83; Set II AE84.

These wonderful short chorale preludes from the grand master of liturgical schmaltz will be a welcome addition to any organ library. Near has plenty of craft, and his suave, easily-heard style speaks for itself. Set I includes Mit Freuden zart; Westminster Abbey; Nun danket alle Gott; Moscow; Nun komm der Heiden Heiland; In dulci jubilo; Erhalt uns, Herr; O Welt, ich muss dich lassen; Herzliebster Jesu; and Salzburg. Set II includes Canonbury; Leoni; Herr Jesu Christ; Liebster Jesu, wir sind Hier; St. Denio; Freu dich sehr; Suo Gân; Aus tiefer Not; Herzlich tut mich verlangen; and Puer nobis nascitur. The setting of Herr Jesu Christ is particularly beautiful, set as it is in a highly ornamented fashion (is it fair to pick a favorite out of such a rich feast as this?!).

Gerald Near. Choraleworks: Eight Chorale Preludes for Organ. Aureole Editions (Paraclete Press, PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653). Set IIII AE94.

Mr. Near continues his series of chorale preludes. As he has noted in the preface, "all the pieces in the present collection are intended for use as preludes, offertories or postludes in the church service, although this intention would not preclude their use as recital works as well. Unlike the other volumes, however, none of the preludes in Set III were written to be performed as introductions to the singing of the hymns upon which they are based; thus they are rather more extended in scope." The settings include Vater unser im Himmelreich; Jesus, meine zuversicht; Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist; Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele; Freuen wir uns all in Ein; O Jesulein süss; O Traurigkeit; and Christ ist erstanden.

Gerald Near. Meditations on Byzantine Hymns for Organ. Set 1. Aureole Editions. AE 106. No price indicated.

One can learn a great deal from Mr. Near's informative preface about these works: "The vast body of Byzantine liturgical music is a treasure largely unknown outside the Orthodox Christian Church. It is probably safe to say, in fact, that even within the ancient Orthodox Patriarchates, this literature is little known except for that which is sung at the normal Sunday Eucharist throughout the liturgical year. it is not out of neglect that this is the case; most of the enormous corpus of Byzantine chant is sung at daily services in Orthodox monasteries, the average parish remaining satisfied with Sunday morning Otrhros (Matins), the Eucharist and, on occasion, Saturday Esperinos (Vespers). The scant availability of Byzantine chant in Western notation is another obstacle to greater familiarity, at least where the Daily Offices are concerned. There is, in other words, no *Liber Usualis*, *Graduale Romanum*, or *Antiphonale Monasticum* to which one can turn as a resource for easy reference. Although music in these latter volumes is set out in "Gregorian" notation, it is nevertheless a system which makes use of staff lines and a neumatic notation which is not entirely foreign to the Western musical mind. Byzantine notation is however, another, and highly specialized, matter.

The chants used in these sets of Meditations are those traditionally appointed for major feasts in the Liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church, particularly the Greek Church. They are the chants associated with the Eucharistic liturgy, rather than the Matins and Vespers. Thus, in a visit to an Eastern Orthodox liturgy, these melodies will be heard sung on the feasts to which they are appointed. The visitor will not be likely to hear them played on the organ however, as the organ is generally banned in the Eastern rite. These settings then are intended for use as preludes, offertories or communion preludes in other liturgical bodies. Set One includes meditations on "O Angelos Evoa" and "I Parthenos Simeron," two traditional chants well-known to the Orthodox Christians."

As we have come to expect of Mr. Near's writing, these are lovely, lyrical pieces that are well-composed and only of moderate difficulty. Highly recommended.

Vaclav Nelhybel. 6 Organ Preludes for Ordinary Time based on Czech Hymn Tunes. For Manuals with Optional Pedal. Alliance Publications. AP-503. $10.00

Vaclav Nelhybel. Organ Prelude for Christmas based on 2 Czech Carols. For Manuals with Optional Pedal. Alliance Publications. AP-502. $5.00

Vaclav Nelhybel. Prelude and Chorale on Svaty Vaclave for Trombone and Organ. For Manuals with Optional Pedal. Alliance Publications. AP-504. $5.00

Admirers of Mr. Nelhybel's style will rejoice at the appearance of these three reasonably-priced publications from Alliance Publications (Fish Creek, Wisconsin). The writing, as always, is very well thought-out and idiomatic for the instruments. The two Carols upon which the "Organ Prelude for Christmas" and the "Six Organ Preludes" are based have been included (in four-part harmonizations) with English texts. The editor of these works, Sr. Anita Smisek, tells us that these hymns are "excerpts from the hymnal collection of 77 Czech hymns with new English texts called "Give Glory," also published by Alliance. . . Nelhybel's' writing shows a concern with modality and autonomy of the melodic line with unique rhythmic and metric characteristics. Individual lines are spun across measures of often differing time signatures. Nelhybel is a composer who leans toward synthesis, bringing past compositional techniques into a harmonious whole."

Four Centuries of Italian Organ Music. Edited by Barbara Owen. McAfee Music.
DM 00264. $10.00

This well-chosen collection contains twenty-seven brief pieces from the Frottole Intabulate (1517) through Marco Enrico Bossi (1861-1925). Barbara Owen's editorial procedure is exemplary, as usual. None of the pieces demands much of the performer, but each piece (most of which are little known) could be used as a model of its genre. Particularly delightful is the Toccata by Benedetto Marcello, a study in repeated notes and chords.

A Pachelbel Album. Compiled and edited by Barbara Owen. McAfee Music DM 00265. $7.50.

Ms. Owen, editor par excellence, explains the rationale for her volume: "the music in this collection was chosen to represent a cross-section of Pachelbel's styles, and all but two (the Gavotte and Overture) are authentic organ works." In addition to the Gavotte and Overture, the collection includes a Toccata, two Fantasias, a Ricercar, two Magnificat fugues, and four chorale preludes (one a short partita). Most of the pieces demand little or no pedal, and all fall easily within the grasp of a beginning organ student.

Walter L. Pelz. Hymn Settings for Organ and Brass. Augsburg Fortress.
Set 3: Complete Score, code 11-10433 ($9.00); Instrumental parts, code 11-10434
Set 4: Complete Score, code 11-10435 ($9.00); Instrumental parts, code 11-10436

These wonderfully useful settings for organ and brass are scored for two trumpets and two trombones. The composer tells us that the settings are "designed to accompany congregational singing. The format is flexible so that the accompaniments may be played in any order in consideration of the hymn text." Set 3 contains six hymns for Christmas: Adeste fideles, Antioch, Gloria, Mendelssohn, The First Nowell, and Vom Himmel hoch. Set 4 contains six hymns for general use: Bryn Calfaria, Consolation, De signede Dag, Ein feste Burg, Italian Hymn, and Nun danket alle Gott.

Craig Penfield. From Advent to Epiphany. Seven Pieces for Organ. Warner Brothers Publications. GB9704. $7.95.

Among these pieces (one for each of the Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Epiphany I) are three transcriptions: The Little Shepherd by Debussy, The Fanfare from "Rejoice Beloved Christians" by Buxtehude, and the famous Shepherd's Farewell from l'Enfance du Christ by Hector Berlioz. Of the remaining pieces, one could easily justify the cost of the collection for the lovely setting of "At the Manger" for Christmas Eve. Not difficult.

John David Peterson. Three Preludes on Christmas hymns. Augsburg Fortress #11-8527. $4.00

John David Peterson. Variations on Les Beaux Mots (Wonderful Words of Life). Morning Star Music Publishers. MSM 10-832. Copyright 1989. $4.00

"Les Beaux Mots" is a delightfully humorous set of variations written in the style of the French No‘listes--Balbastre, D'Aquin, LeBegue, et al. True to the style, the pedals remain silent throughout. Highly recommended. The Three Preludes on Christmas Hymns are in turn wonderfully spirited ("In dulci jubilo), lyrical ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, LBW 44), and energetic ("Une jeune Pucelle"). Not difficult. This one appeared in Notebook, March, 1990.

The Philadelphia Organ Book: Six Short Pieces for the Church Year. Theodore Presser 413-41147. $18.95.

Clair Rozier has written of this collection “the vision to commission a collection of six pieces of moderate length and difficulty for use during worship came from the Philadelphia 2002 AGO Convention Steering Committee. The goal is to enrich the organist’s repertoire with music by composers of outstanding quality, who also have a clear understanding of how music functions in a worship setting. Each composer was assigned a season of the church year, and given the option of basing the work on a hymn of their own choosing or of writing a freely-composed work.” Works include Emma Lou Diemer “Prepare the Royal Highway,” Charles Callahan, “Postlude on Vom Himmel Hoch,” Erik Santos, “Star Rising,” David Cherwien, “Prelude on Psalm 143,” Dorothy Papadakos, “The Women at the Tomb,” and Bruce Neswick,” Epilogue on Veni Creator Spiritus.”

Craig Phillips. Glad Praises We Sing: Four Preludes for Organ. Selah Publishing Co. 160-814. $12.50.

Craig Phillips. Joy to the World: Three Preludes for Christmas. Selah Publishing Co. 160-815. $12.00.

"Glad Praises We Sing" contains four organ preludes based on the hymn tunes "Kremser," "Hyfrydol," "Nettleton," and "Engleberg." These well-crafted hymn-tune preludes show Mr. Phillips to be a very fine composer. The writing is original and idiomatic. Particularly welcome is the extended prelude on Engleberg, the more so since Mr. Phillips frames a statement of the melody with creative fanfare writing.

The second contains three preludes based on the familiar Christmas tunes "Divinum Mysterium," "Forest Green," and "Antioch." Mr. Phillips displays his considerable talents for lyrical writing in the settings of "Divinum Mysterium" and "Forest Green". Unlike so many attempts of late, Mr. Phillips never lapses into sentimentality here. The ebullient setting of "Antioch" alone would justify purchase of this set. Mr. Phillips strikes just the right chord here: the best setting of this tune (which is not easy to set) that has appeared in many years.

The Editors at Selah Publishing are to be commended for publishing high quality hymn-tune preludes, and we should look forward to more in the future.

Craig Phillips. Glad Praises We Sing: Four Preludes for Organ. Selah Publishing Co. 160-814. $12.50.

Craig Phillips. Joy to the World: Three Preludes for Christmas. Selah Publishing Co. 160-815. $12.00.

"Glad Praises We Sing" contains four organ preludes based on the hymn tunes "Kremser," "Hyfrydol," "Nettleton," and "Engleberg." These well-crafted hymn-tune preludes show Mr. Phillips to be a very fine composer. The writing is original and idiomatic. Particularly welcome is the extended prelude on Engleberg, the more so since Mr. Phillips frames a statement of the melody with creative fanfare writing.

The second contains three preludes based on the familiar Christmas tunes "Divinum Mysterium," "Forest Green," and "Antioch." Mr. Phillips displays his considerable talents for lyrical writing in the settings of "Divinum Mysterium" and "Forest Green". Unlike so many attempts of late, Mr. Phillips never lapses into sentimentality here. The ebullient setting of "Antioch" alone would justify purchase of this set. Mr. Phillips strikes just the right chord here: the best setting of this tune (which is not easy to set) that has appeared in many years.

The Editors at Selah Publishing are to be commended for publishing high quality hymn-tune preludes, and we should look forward to more in the future.

Daniel Pinkham. Wondrous Love: Five Variations for Organ. Thorpe Music,
#493-00052. Theodore Presser Company, sole selling agent. $4.95.

Despite Mr. Pinkham's disclaimer in the preface to this work, one cannot help but compare this present piece with the masterful set of variations composed on the same tune by Samuel Barber. Pinkham's variations are not pretentious, although the writing nonetheless often seems forced and arbitrary (for instance the awkward contrapuntal writing in the second variation). For those who know and admire Pinkham's major works for the organ, these variations will prove to be a disappointment.

Daniel Pinkham. The Book of Hours. Organ Solo. E. C. Schirmer. ECS Publishing, No. 4664. $9.50.

Daniel Pinkham. O Come, Emmanuel: Variations on an Advent Hymn for Organ. Thorpe Music, #493-00065. Theodore Presser Company, sole selling agent.

The Book of Hours is a cleverly conceived collection of eight pieces that includes a short verset for each of the eight canonical hours. Mr. Pinkham took the organ suites of the French Classical composers as a point of departure: "The Book of Hours reflects the early 18th century French tradition of the Livre d'Orgue. In this present set you will recognize many of the familiar registrational conventions and compositional types such as the following: Récit de tierce en taille, Dessus et basse de trompette, Duos, Plein Jeu, [and] Concert de Flûtes." Although these pieces contain tricky passages, they are not of insurmountable difficulty.

The set of seven variations on "O Come, Emmanuel" blazes no new trails. However, the writing is pleasant enough. Mr. Pinkham tells us that "the present variations are designed for a small pipe organ and require but minimal technical demands of the performer. They may be used effectively as an introduction to the congregation's singing of the hymn."

Robert J. Powell. Sing We To Our God Above: Hymn Preludes for Lent through Easter. Augsburg Fortress Press #11-10230. $8.00.

Robert J. Powell. Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart: Hymn Preludes for Lent through Easter. Augsburg Fortress Press #11-10478. $8.50.

Mr. Powell has set ten hymns drawn mainly from the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. The writing is thoroughly professional: clean counterpoint, good voice leading, interesting and engaging harmony. Particularly noteworthy are the clever partita on "Westminster Abbey," the prelude on "Engleberg", and the rousing prelude on Stanford's great hymn tune "St. Patrick's Breastplate."

La Bourree. By Michael Praetorius. Transcribed for organ by Kenneth Saslaw. Randall Egan's Classic Organ Series/The Kenwood Press, Minneapolis. No price or catalogue number.

Although the three movements that comprise this suite were not originally composed for the organ, they work marvelously as transcribed by Mr. Saslaw. These brief dances have tunes and rhythms that haunt and delight.

Ten Eighteenth-Century Voluntaries by Peter Prelleur and John James. Edited by H. Diack Johnstone. Oxford University Press. $7.95.

This superb little volume presents voluntaries by two little-known English musicians from the first half the eighteenth century. The source of the ten works presented here is a manuscript that resides in the library of the Royal College of Organists. The five works by Peter Prelleur (1705?-1741) have never before appeared in print; of the five works by John James (d. 1745), only one was printed previously (in 1790!).

The music holds no surprises, save perhaps for the atypical three-movement layout (Slow-Fast-Slow) of Prelleur's Voluntary in D Minor (No. 4). All of the others are cast in the usual two- (S-F) or four-movement (S-F-S-F) outline. There is much delightful music here, the preface by Mr. Johnstone is informative and authoritative, the critical commentary and editorial procedures are exemplary, and the edition is clear and easy to read. Highly recommended.

Richard Proulx. Still More Intonations, Volume VIII in the series Hymn Intonations, Preludes, & Free Harmonizations. Selah Publishing Co. #160-728. $12.50.

As one would expect from an experienced composer such as Mr. Proulx, these intonations are well-crafted and very useful. Twenty-three well-known tunes are presented. The volume includes an index of tunes for all seven of Mr. Proulx's sets in this series.

Henry Purcell. 1659-1695: A Tribute. A commemorative selection of pieces arranged for Organ by Bryan Hesford. Fentone F 670. $8.95.

This collection was compiled as a tribute to Henry Purcell in the 300th anniversary year of his death. The editor informs us that "for the organ Purcell wrote all too little and this suite has been selected from his other works for theatre and from the anthem 'O God, thou art my God'." Pieces include the Lament from 'Dido and Aeneas', the Rondeau from 'The Fairy Queen', and the Ayre and the Trumpet Tune from 'King Arthur'.

Lionel Rogg. Hommage à Messiaen. Lemoine (imported by Theodore Presser). $7.25.

Rogg has composed an apt homage, a piece that takes Messiaen's Banquet Céleste as a point of departure. Rogg has spun a similarly mysterious and sumptuous piece for string celeste manual parts hovering over a haunting melody in the pedals. Not difficult, but recommended.

Ned Rorem. Organbook I; Organbook II; Organbook III. Boosey & Hawkes. $7.00 each volume.

There is not much to say about Rorem's style--it either appeals to you or it does not. These sixteen pieces beg to be loved. Unfortunately, Rorem on several occasions has expressed his apparent disdain for the organ as an instrument. For instance, in the preface to these works he says that, "In the United States the organ is an acquired taste, not only for musical laymen but for most professional musicians. Laymen connect the sound with church-going, an extramusical occurrence irrelevant to the concert hall. Professionals (except, of course, for organists themselves) can find the sound over-rich, blurred, remote from the incisive linear flow they were taught to parse in counterpoint class." Despite composing several large pieces for the organ over the years he says that ". . . I still hear it [the organ] as an amateur. The timbre of all organ music, including my own, remains mysterious to me: I never know quite what to listen for."

These rather inflammatory statements beg the not altogether rhetorical question of how can one warm to this music when the composer himself expresses no enthusiasm for the medium? Is this inspired music? Probably not. Despite the solid craft, the cool emotional detachment, and the workaday "simplicity," this is not music that gathers you in. As a colleague has aptly stated, "Rorem might sooner "bore 'em."

William Rowan. Two Trumpet Voluntaries in the style of Jeremiah Clarke. Selah Publishing Company 160-622. $6.50.

In the first of his two delightful Trumpet Voluntaries, Mr. Rowan places the tune first in the soprano and then in the tenor. Both pieces are bright, easy to play, accessible to the general audience, and would make a wonderful wedding processional/recessional.

Kevin Sadowski. 6 Hymn Preludes. Concordia #97-6044. $6.75.

This collection contains six delightful settings of well-known hymns (Divinum Mysterium, Hymn to Joy, Melcombe, Nettleton, Old 124th, Walton). The pieces are bright, well written, and charming. The canonic treatment of Divinum Mysterium is particularly lush and captivating.

Christian Immo Schneider. Twelve Short Organ Pieces. Augsburg Fortress Press,
#11-10112. $6.50.

The composer suggests that "most of [these] pieces may be performed as voluntaries at appropriate places during the church service". Several of the pieces exude a certain charm (Imitation, Canon, Chaconnette); there are three pieces intended as pedal studies; the remainder give off a plodding character that causes one to question their inclusion here. Given the brief duration of each of the pieces, it is difficult to discern whether they would be used often, but perhaps it is better to sight-read one of these vignettes when "filler" is required rather than to improvise something that is of lesser quality.

The Organ Works of Russell Schulz-Widmar. Warner Bros. Publications. DM9702. $9.95.

The composer has written of this extensive collection, that, "most of these organ preludes are based on hymn tunes that are common to all hymnals. A few of these can be used to accompany congregational hymn singing, or to serve as an introduction to the singing. Most, however, are intended to be used as separate pieces. I wrote this music as the result of a request by Wayne Leupold, the editor of The Organist's Companion. He asked for organ literature that was of high quality, useful, and not difficult to play." The twenty-five pieces in this collection contain an wide variety of pieces that include a Dialogue and a Fantaisie in the style of Langlais; a lovely set of variations on "O come, all ye faithful"; a partita on "Ah, Holy Jesus"; a wonderful introduction and varied harmonizations for "Easter Hymn"; and a Chaconne on the Danish Amen. Always well-crafted, these pieces would be a good addition to any basic liturgical organist's library.

Robert Edward Smith. Hymn Preludes for the Christmas Season. World Library Publications. WLP 3024. $15.00

This recent publication from World Library Publications contains settings of twenty well-known Christmas tunes. Particularly delightful are the French Classical evocation of "Il est né" and the Mozartian setting of "Angels From the Realms of Glory." As noted earlier in these pages, Mr. Smith writes in a very pleasing contrapuntal style that perfectly reflects the mood of the text. Once again the editors at World Library are to be commended for their fine layout and quality production. Not difficult; highly recommended.

Robert M. Speed. Partita on "Was Gott Tut". . Edited by Marilyn Mason. The Marilyn Mason Organ Series. Published by Randall Egan/The Kenwood Press, Minneapolis. $4.50. This set of five variations on the familiar tune "Was Gott tut das ist wohlgetan" contains some fleet contrapuntal writing, an extended variation for pedal solo, the requisite variation for strings, and a crashing finale in toccata style.

Paul Spicer. Four Organ Pieces: The Canon's Fanfare; Elegy; Fanfare for a Bride; Paean Oxoniensis. Novello. Cat. No. 01 025. $9.75

Mr. Spicer has written of these pieces, "These four pieces are not designed to be played as a set, but were written over a number of years as occasional pieces suitable for voluntaries or as short recital pieces. The first three are self explanatory. The fourth, and earliest, was written when I was a student in London, for Robert Gower who was at that time organ scholar of Lincoln College Oxford. It was a time (1973) when new 'classical' organs were sprouting up all over the country and particularly, it seemed, in Oxford. A small group of organ scholars got together in reaction to the 'laying waste' of Oxford's organs and formed the Society for the Preservation of Romantic Organs Music (quickly to become another of Oxford's lost causes!). The "Paean Oxoniensis," thus, was written, out of sympathy at the time, in a deliberately 'Whitlockian' style as a celebration of the romantic organ, and for the man who, since that time, more seriously, has done so much to bring Whitlock's music the attention it deserves."

Janet Owen Thomas. Rosaces for Organ. Novello. Cat. No. 01 0228. $12.95

Ms. Thomas has written of this piece, "Rosaces is in the form of a free fantasia, in the manner of Buxtehude or Bach. The music reflects the changing colours, themes and textures which appear in a rose window--hence the title. Slow homophonic passages alternate with busier, more toccata-like sections. While featuring no tonal centre in the traditional sense, sections of the music gravitate to open fifths which are used to mark cadential caesuras." The work lasts nine minutes.

An Album of Trumpet Tunes for Organ. Compiled and Edited by Dale Tucker. Warner Bros. Publications. GB9709. $10.95.

Mr. Tucker informs us that, "this collection is comprised of trumpet tunes for organ by a variety of composers, taken from the vast Warner Bros. and Belwin catalogs. Many of these pieces appeared at one time as solos in the distinctive 'St. Cecilia Organ Series,' and others were selected from various collections. Many of these pieces are no longer available as single editions, and are brought to life again in this volume." The collections contains twenty-nine pieces. Composers of original compositions include David Lasky, Franklin Ashdown, Mark Thewes, Alfred Fedak, Craig Penfield, James Kimball, Michael McCabe, David Ouchterlony, Roy Brunner, Flor Peeters, Jon Roberts; there are also arrangements of familiar works by Marc Charpentier, Jeremiah Clarke, Jean-Joseph Mouret, Henry Purcell, and John Stanley. At this attractive price, this volume is a bargain!

Alberto Ginastera. Variazoni e Toccata sopra "Aurora lucis rutilat," Op. 52. Boosey & Hawkes. $11.00

Joe Utterback. Peace Prelude. Jazzmuze.

Two very different styles are presented here. The late Argentinean composer Ginastera has written of this work: "'Aurora lucis rutilat' is a fragment of a Paschal Hymn of the fifth century which I used at the conclusion of my work 'Turbae," Opus 45, for choirs and orchestra. While composing 'Turbae,' I thought that this theme could be further developed in a future work, and when the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists invited me to write a work that would be premiered at the National Convention in Minneapolis, I realized that this provided the right occasions. Variazioni e Toccata is a highly virtuosic work and consists of twelve variations and a toccata on the 'Aurora lucis rutilat' theme. The theme itself--as has happened already in some of my other works--appears in its original form only at the end, where it serves as the culmination of the entire composition. The variations modify the texture and structure of the theme, and even generate new themes through thematic metamorphosis."

The work was edited by Marilyn Mason, who played the world premiere in June, 1980.

Mr. Utterback has subtitled his work, "An organ meditation on the beauty, quiet joy, and strength with which peace imbues life." The work employs a pleasant jazz style; not difficult.

A Victorian Organ Album. Compiled and edited by Malcolm Archer. Oxford University Press.

As Mr. Archer tells us in his afterword to this collection, "the contents of this anthology were all written by composers active during the lengthy reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), a period in which the organ achieved supremacy as the king of instruments dominating cathedral, church, and concert hall."

Of the ten composers represented here, the best known are John Stainer, Edwin Lemare, C. Hubert H. Parry, and C. V. Stanford. Particularly noteworthy are Parry's Chorale Prelude on 'Eventide' (he composed the tune as well), Stanford's Intermezzo founded upon an Irish Air (the tune we know as "Danny Boy'), and the rousing arrangement by W. T. Best of Mendelssohn's War March of the Priests. This collection contains some rousing good encore material.

Larry Visser. Four French Couplets on "Angels We Have Heard on High". Wayne Leupold Editions. WL600077. $7.00.

These four brief versets (Plein Jeu, Fugue, Récit de Tierce en taille, and Grand Jeu) "composed in the style of the French Classic era" pay obvious homage to François Couperin and de Grigny. Particularly clever is the Tierce en taille which draws upon de Grigny's famous movement from the Mass. Here Mr. Visser cast the tenor solo as a highly ornamented version of the hymn tune which becomes increasingly florid, hence unrecognizable. Perhaps such writing will appeal more to the initiated than to the general audience, but recommended nonetheless.

The Washington Organ Book. Compiled by Daniel E. Gawthrop. H. W. Gray/Belwin, Inc. $10.95.

This impressive collection by six Washington area organist/composers (Lawrence Schreiber, Douglas Major, Haig Mardirosian, Russell Woollen, Daniel Gawthrop, and Robert Grogan) should indeed challenge other cities to follow suit, as suggested by Mr. Gawthrop in his humorous introduction. Particularly noteworthy are the Fantasia/Improvisation on "Christ ist erstanden" and "Christus Vincit" by Dr. Mardirosian and the Variations on"Morning Song" by Dr. Grogan. Mr. Gawthrop's Rodomontade includes an optional (but very humorous) part for a narrator that would make a wonderful introduction to the organ for young people. A CD recording of this collection, as performed by the composers, is available from Gothic Records, #G-49059.

Stephen Weber. Nine Hymn Preludes for Organ. Warner Brothers. $7.95

Stephen Weber. Nine Hymn Preludes for Organ. Volume II. Warner Brothers. $7.95

Here is truly original writing, well-crafted, and to the point. Would that all composers of chorale preludes would employ the contrapuntal skill of Mr. Weber, someone who obviously understands the traditions in which he works, whether it be trio texture or a fugue. Most noteworthy among these pieces are the ones from the first volume in which Mr. Weber evokes certain historic styles. For instance in the wonderfully evocative setting of "Christ ist erstanden," the medieval flavor of the piece displays a deep understanding of the chant upon which the chorale is based, as well as a contrapuntal fabric that evokes the style of organum. The improvised accompaniment required of the player in the setting of "In der ist freude"--controlled as it is within prescribed parameters that are easily realized--might give confidence to organists to explore their improvisational skills at greater length. Other tunes include (in Volume I): Conditor Alme Siderum; Ebenezer; Eins ist not; Hiding Place; Marion; St. Columba; and Weil ich Jesu Schäflein bin. In Volume II: Deo Gracias; Slane; Lobt Gott, ihr Christen; Hyfrydol; O Jesu Christe, wahres licht; O filii et filiae; Divinum mysterium; Nun lasst uns den Lieb begraben; and Wenn wir in Hochsten Noten Sein. Get these pieces, and then await the appearance of Volume III with great anticipation!

David Ashley White. Brewer's Trumpet. Selah Publishing 160-822. $5.00.

This trumpet tune, based on the composer's hymn tune "Brewer," might serve as an appropriate alternative to trumpet tunes ordinarily used at weddings. Unfortunately, the Selah production (the music is held together by a single off-center staple) leaves something to be desired. Not difficult.

Charles-Marie Widor. Serenade and Pastorale. Arranged for organ by Herman van Vliet. Universal Songs B.V. Musiscript MG 005. Copyright 1987. No price given.
Admirers of Widor's music will welcome the appearance of these two pieces arranged for organ. The original scoring and sources for these arrangements are not indicated by Mr. van Vliet. Both pieces employ solo writing with charming Unfortunately, did not provide critical notes. Whatever the original scoring, the present arrangments are idiomatic, and Mr. van Vliet's registration suggestions might well serve to show off the solo stops of any organ to great advantage.

Healey Willan. Introduction, Passacaglia, and Fugue. Newly edited by David Sanger. Oxford University Press. $11.95.

This welcome new edition of the masterpiece of Canadian organ literature is based on a holograph in the National Library of Canada. The edition contains very complete critical notes in which Mr. Sanger has carefully noted the differences between Willan's original and the first edition (Schirmer, 1920, reprinted by Oxford in 1930 with alterations). A very detailed specification of the Casavant organ at St. Paul's Church in Toronto--the organ for which this piece was conceived--is included. The format and layout are very easily read and pleasing to the eye.

Healey Willan. Epilogue. Randall M. Eagan Publishers, 2024 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Part of the publisher's series of "Classic Reissues," this brief work of Healey Willan will find a very welcome place in my repertoire as an occasional postlude. Willan was a fine composer; the style and difficulty of the present piece fall between the shorter chorale-preludes and the monumental free works such as the heroic Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue. Recommended.

Baroque Music for Manuals, Volume V. Edited and Arranged by S. Drummond Wolff. Concordia 97-6090. $6.75.

Is there an organ bench in the United States that does not provide a home for at least one volume of Mr. Wolff's excellent series of Baroque Music for Manuals? The present volume presents seventeen brief musical bon-bons by well-known composers (Handel, Vivaldi, Bull, Bach, Greene, Telemann, Wesley, Torelli) as well as by several lesser lights (Francheschini, Aubert, Travers, Selby). The text is very clean and easy to read, as we have come to expect of this series. Despite the title of the volume, most of us realize by now that the pedals are welcome to participate, especially to support those ubiquitous and very difficult cadential trills perched on top of five and six-note chords! Recommended.

James Woodman. In Dulci Jubilo: Four Variations for Organ. Thorpe Music Publishing. No. 493-00067. Sole Selling Agent: Theodore Presser Company. $5.95.

This imaginative set of variations would serve admirably as a Christmas Eve Prelude. With the exception of the second variation, Woodman rarely presents the tune in a prominent fashion, preferring instead to tease us with fragments and paraphrase. The delightful rhythmic interplay of the voices in the third variation is particularly engaging. The composer tells us that "these pieces. . .may be performed in any order, number or manner as may best suit the needs of the occasion. Highly recommended.

James Woodman. Church Sonata I for Organ. E. C. Schirmer. ECS Publishing, No. 5042.

James Woodman. Fairest Lord Jesus. Thorpe Music, #493-00066. $4.95.

James Woodman. Little Organ Mass. E. C. Schirmer. ECS Publishing, No. 5041.

The attractive and idiomatic writing of Mr. Woodman's "Church Sonata" is of moderate difficulty. The main theme of the first movement immediately calls to mind the fugue subject from Hindemith's Second Sonata.

The five variations on "Fairest Lord Jesus" contain some skillful writing. If this tune is your cup of tea, then you will probably enjoy these variations. Not difficult.

The five movements of the "Little Organ Mass" follow the traditional pattern of Introit, Offertory, Elevation, Communion, and Postlude. However, Mr. Woodman tells us that "While these brief pieces each reflect the character of their corresponding places in the liturgy, they are intended for practical use by the church musician, and may be performed in any order or manner which best suits the needs of the occasion." As thematic material Mr. Woodman chose three chants appointed for the Feast of Corpus Christi: Lauda Sion, Pange Lingua, and Te Deum.

James Woodman. Six Little Partitas for Organ Manuals with optional Pedal. Thorpe Music/Theodore Presser.

Book I: No. 493-00054. $8.95
Book II: No. 493-00055. $8.95

As noted before in these pages, Mr. Woodman is a skilled composer who takes obvious delight in his craft. He notes that, "The Partitas were composed with the intention of adding to the repertoire for single-manual or other small instruments. . . These pieces are intended primarily for use of church musicians, and may be performed in any order, number, or manner as may best suite the needs of the occasion." Book I contains partitas on "Veni, veni, Emmanuel," "Es ist ein Ros," and "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," while Book II presents variations on "Aus der Tiefe rufe ich," "Salzburg," and "Veni Creator Spiritus."

Heinz Wunderlich. Fuga Variata: Fantasie in Form einer Variationsfuge. Musica Budapest Z. 13 942.

Heinz Wunderlich. Introduktion und Toccata über den Namen B-A-C-H. Edition Musica Budapest Z. 13 943.

Heinz Wunderlich. Kontrapunktische Chaconne g-Moll. Musica Budapest Z. 13 944.

Heinz Wunderlich. Mixolydische Toccata über das Weihnachtslied "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ." Musica Budapest Z. 13 945.

Heinz Wunderlich. Orgelsonata über ein Thema (Organ Sonata on a single theme). Musica Budapest Z. 13 946.

These incredibly difficult works from the pen of the German organ virtuoso may be an important contribution to the late twentieth-century German organ repertoire. Anyone who heard Prof. Wunderlich play the organs at the Jakobikirche in Hamburg (the 1690 Schnitger now magnificently restored by Jürgen Ahrend and the large electric-action behemoth by Kemper) cannot help hearing his unmistakable style of performance in these works. Wunderlich's reputation of as one of the great players of the works of Reger coupled with his astonishing virtuosity and skill at improvisation work together to create works of true imagination. Certainly Wunderlich adds to the tradition of organ music from Buxtehude to Bach to Reger, writing as he does in all the forms of his predecessors: Complex fugues, canon, chaconne, sonata, chorale prelude, and toccata.

The Fuga Variata contains every imaginable fugal treatment: augmentation, diminution, stretto, inversion, and original theme combined with inversion. One is reminded of the great traditions of fugal treatment from the variation canzona of the Italians (Frescobaldi) and the incredible late fugues of J. S. Bach.

The work over BACH (1988) likewise partakes of a great tradition in organ music, especially here of course the great monuments by Liszt and Reger on the same theme. Although the theme here is simple and brief, the material in Wunderlich's hands is always handled in dense counterpoint and virtuosic figuration.

The title of the Chaconne (dated September, 1938) tells the whole story: Contrapuntal Chaconne: free variations alternated with variations in canon and double counterpoint.

The toccata on the well-known Christmas chorale "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ" is the most approachable of all of these works. While this certainly is not music to be sight-read in church, the set of variations over this tune proceed in logical, well laid-out fashion.

With the Sonata on a Single Theme, however, we re-visit the land of blinding virtuosity. Wunderlich uses the traditional three-movement format: Moderate tempo, slow movement, fugal finale.

Not for the faint of heart.

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The ECS/AGO African-American Organ Series:

William B. Cooper. Spiritual Lullaby. ECS Publishing, # 5118. $4.95

Adolphus Hailstork. Toccata on Veni Emmanuel. ECS Publishing, # 5122.

Roger Dickerson. Chorale Prelude on Das Neugeborne Kindelein. ECS Publishing, #5120. $4.95.

These pieces deserve a place in every organist's library. They are extremely well composed and offer a rich new addition to the organist's repertoire.

The American Guild of Organists is responsible for this project which was guided by a committee under the able direction of Maureen Jais-Mick. It was the committee's goal "that the works be not only of the highest quality, but that they illustrate the artistic variety among a people who are bonded historically. The styles range from gospel to modern."

Mr. Cooper's lovely piece is based on the Christmas Spiritual "Baby Bethlehem." This work, of moderate difficulty, should easily find a place among the most popular organ pieces played at Midnight Mass. Highly recommended.

Mr. Hailstork's Toccata is actually an extended fantasy that paraphrases the tune. This is powerful--but sometimes tricky--writing.

Mr. Dickerson's short chorale prelude is the most traditional of the three pieces, based as it is on the well-known German Christmas chorale. The pedals carry the tune, which is heard under skillful and intricate counterpoint in the manuals. Not difficult.

Augsburg Fortress:

Robert Below. Hymn Tunes Preludes. 11-10231. $7.00.

Jan Bender. Four Variations on Down Ampney. 11-00807. $6.50.

Mary Beth Bennett. Partita on Veni, Creator Spiritus. 11-10558. $6.00.

J. Bert Carlson. Four Chorale Preludes. 11-10615. $7.50.

Wilbur Held. Three Pieces for Organ. 11-8525. $6.00.

Lance R. Hulme. Fantasy on Wondrous Love. 11-10350. $5.00.

Donald Johns. Eleven Hymn Preludes. 11-10187. $7.00.

Robert C. Lau. Trumpet Tune. 11-10321. $5.00.

Lloyd Pfautsch. Three Organ Preludes on Hymntunes. 11-8523. $4.00.

Melvin Rotermund. Five Preludes. 11-6040. $6.00.

We have come to expect quality work from Augsburg Fortress, and these recent publications do not disappoint. All of the pieces presented here are well-crafted, reliable works suitable for service use. Mary Beth Bennett's Partita stands out from the crowd, especially in the clever evocations of ancient music in the Bicinium and Hocket--wonderful rhythmic writing coupled with a keen contrapuntal sense. The pedal writing is not for the beginner, but is used to great effect.

Augsburg Fortress, II

Timothy Albrecht. Grace Notes IV. Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving. #11-10614. $9.00

Jan Bender. Maker of the Earth and Heaven for Violin and Organ. #11-10048. $6.00.

Richard Boursy. Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful songs. Hymn Preludes for Organ. #11-10431. $7.00.

J. Bert Carlson. A