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Liturgical Resources

Resources for the Parish Organist

Dr. Charlotte Kroeker

Please direct questions to:
Dr. Gail Walton
walton.4@nd.edu

Table of Contents

Craig Cramer Organ Reviews
- By Composer
- By Publishing Company
Additional Organ Publications (Compiled by Dr. Gail Walton)

Craig Cramer Organ Reviews

Dr. Craig Cramer, Professor of Organ at the University of Notre Dame, regularly reviews organ literature for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). His reviews have appeared in Pastoral Music and Pastoral Music Notebook. The descriptions that follow are a result of over 20 years of reviewing much of the new liturgical organ music as it was published. Dr. Cramer and NPM have graciously allowed the posting of these reviews for reference purposes, and as an aid to parish musicians who are seeking repertoire for organ.

NPM is a 9,000-member organization devoted to serving the life and mission of the Church through fostering the art of musical liturgy in Catholic worshiping communities in the United States of America. For membership information, contact NPM at 240 247 3000; e-mail: npmmem@npm.org; website: www.npm.org.

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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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

"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.

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.

Top

Reviews Organized by Publishing Company

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 New Look at the Old. Seven Creative Hymn Settings for Organ. #11-11009

David Cherwien. Gotta Toccata. Three Toccatas for Organ. #11-11008

David Cherwien. Postludes on Well Known Hymns. #11-10795

David Cherwien. Rise, shine, You People! Toccata and Fugue for Organ. #11-10523. $7.00.

David P. Dahl. Hymn Interpretations. #11-10972

Frank Ferko. 11 Hymn Preludes for Organ. #11-5818. $5.00.

Tim Fields. All Hall the Power of Jesus' Name. Partita for Organ. #11-11006

Richard Gore. Hymn Settings for Holy Week. #11-10560. $7.00.

Alexandre Guilmant. Magnificat in G Major for the Organ. Edited by Austin Lovelace. #11-10439. $5.50.

Timothy Albrecht continues his highly popular and inventive series of chorale preludes with seven new settings. The Partita on Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray (Straf mich, nicht), is well worth the price of the volume.

J. Bert Carlson's nicely composed works include chorale preludes on Candler, Christe Sanctorum, Cwm Rhondda, Hyfrydol, The Ash Grove, Was Gott tut, and Wer nur den lieben Gott.

In his collection entitled Gotta Toccata, David Cherwien has set three tunes in toccata style: Divinum Mysterium, Engelberg, and Mercy. Particularly creative is the setting of Engelberg, a notoriously difficult work to set because of its harmonic structure. Mr. Cherwien handles the assignment with aplomb.

David Dahl has set fourteen hymn tunes, two of which include an optional trumpet part. Prof. Dahl's considerable gifts as a hymn-tune improvisateur shine through here in these well-crafted settings. Highly recommended.

While Tim Fields blazes no new trails in his five-movement partita, the work is well thought-out and will assume a certain useful place in the repertoire of such works.

Augsburg Fortress, III

G. F. Handel. Overture from Water Music for Organ & Brass. Setting by S. Drummond Wolff. #11-10557. $8.50.

Wilbur Held. Three Pieces For Organ. #11-8525. $6.00

Jeffrey Honoré. Classic Embellishments. Six Organ Preludes with Optional Instrumental Obbligato. #11-11005

Janet Linker. Three Epiphany Pieces. #11-10974

Monte Mason. Carol of the Birds. #11-10518. $6.00.

Paul Nicholson. Wondrous Love for Organ and Trumpet. #11-10529. $7.50.

Organ Music for Funerals and Memorial Services. Book II. Compiled, edited, and arranged by Wilbur Held. #11-7626. $5.75.

Organ Music for the Seasons, Volume 2. #11-11010

Karl Osterlund. American Hymn Trios. #11-10616. $7.00

Robert J. Powell. Sent Forth: Short Postludes for the Day. #11-10612. $8.50.

Christopher Uehlein. Blue Cloud Abbey Organ Book. #11-10394. $11.00.

Wayne L. Wold. God with Us. Six Organ Preludes for the Incarnation. #11-10975

Organ Music for the Seasons contains chorale preludes and free works by Robert Below, David Dahl, Ennis Fruhauf, Berkley Guse, Edwin Johnson, Emily Maxson Porter, Lynn Petersen, John Hebden Schaffner, and Christopher Uehlein.

Mr. Honoré has written of his preludes that, "this collection was developed to explore the softer side of time-honored hymnody. Each embellishment presents the tune in a highly ornamented solo style, playable either on a solo stop or by an obbligato instrument. . . In addition to the embellishment, each hymn is provided with a brief introduction (intonation) which could be used with congregational singing."

Janet Linker's setting of Three Kings of Orient alone is worth the purchase of this volume. The other two tunes in the collection are Dix and Morning Star.

Mr. Wold has set King of Glory, a tune rarely seen in such collections. As such, this tune alone will compel some to buy this volume.

A New Liturgical Year. John Ferguson, editor. #11-10810.

John Ferguson. Shall We Gather at the River for Organ and Congregational Singing. #11-10824

John Ferguson. Three Nineteenth Century Revival Hymns. #11-10976

John Ferguson. Three Psalm Preludes. #11-10823

Thy Holy Wings. Three Swedish Folk Hymn Preludes for Organ. Arranged by John Ferguson. #11-8546. $5.00.

John Ferguson's gifts are well-known and well-documented. He is always reliable, and his writing works on the organ. Ferguson writes of his Three Nineteenth Century Revival Hymns, "Commissioned by the Oklahoma City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, my assignment was to write a cycle of hymn preludes using tunes that would have been sung by the nineteenth century settlers of Oklahoma. In each case, my goal has been to produce a setting in the style of an improvisation which responds to the spirit of text and tune. The pieces are envisioned for a two-manual organ, however, those with larger instruments are urged to expand the concepts and to creatively increase the color and dynamic possibilities."

In his A New Liturgical Year Dr. Ferguson has compiled chorales for the church year from a variety of sources, including newly commissioned works from the late William Albright, Libby Larsen, and Pamela Decker, along with standard repertoire from the past by composers such as Healey Willan, Gerre Hancock, and Helmut Walcha. The idea here was to create a volume that reflected the original intent of J. S. Bach's Orgelbüchlein (renamed The Liturgical Year by editor Albert Riemenschneider in his edition of 1933) as straightforward chorale preludes on tunes drawn from throughout the church year. Dr. Ferguson has written that "A New Liturgical Year provides a representative cross section of pieces, arranged by liturgical season and concluding with more general themes just as Bach organized his collection. . . All of these settings are reasonably brief as they parallel their prototypes in the Orgelbüchlein.. . Each tune has been provided with a brief introduction and reharmonization which could be used with congregational singing." Besides a chorale prelude, Dr. Ferguson also included a commentary preceding each piece that includes brief biographical information and includes additional performance and registration suggestions. Highly original, and highly recommended.

In his collection Thy Holy Wings, Dr. Ferguson set Bred dina vida vingar ("Thy Holy Wings," With One Voice #741), Tryggare kan ingen var ("Children of the Heavenly Father," Lutheran Book of Worship #474), and Ransomed Soul ("Oh, Let Your Soul Now be Filled with Gladness").

Hope Publishing:

John A. Behnke. The Creative Organist II: Harmonizations for Hymn Singing. Hope Publishing Company #8134. No price listed.

Joel Raney. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come. A Thanksgiving Prelude with Optional Choral Introit for Piano and Organ with Optional SATB Voices and Handbells. Hope Publishing Company #8161. No price listed.

Dr. Behnke has written of this volume, "The Creative Organist, Vol. 2 is a response to the success of the original volume in 1993. Here are more new and varied harmonizations to assist you, the organist, to further enhance the hymn singing of your congregation. As with the original volume, one use is to play one of these harmonizations as a special introduction to the singing of the hymn. The congregation will hear the melody clearly and will listen to the introduction with new ears. You can also play one of these just for some variety from the harmonization in the hymnbook." Tunes include Aurelia, Dix, Easter Hymn, For the Bread, Hymn to Joy, In Babilone, Italian Hymn, Linstead, Lobe den Herren, Nettleton, Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, Schönster Herr Jesu, Sonne der Gerechtigkeit, and St. Columba. Highly recommended.

About his hymn-tune arrangement, Mr. Raney has noted that the piece was "Written especially for the Thanksgiving season, or any service of thanks, this arrangement combines piano and organ duet with optional parts for both choir and handbells. This festive setting combines the hymns "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" with "We Gather Together" and "Now Thank We All Our God." The choir enters at the conclusion of this prelude for an optional choral introit." The handbell score is sold separately.

Concordia:

Donald Busarow. Music for a Sunday Morning, Volume 15. Concordia 97-6062. $6.50.
Charles Ore. 11 Compositions for Organ, Set V. Concordia 97-6107. $9.75.

Busarow contributes a wonderful Prelude, Litany, and Finale to this distinguished series, now running to fifteen volumes. The aim of the series is to present works not based on hymns, freely composed, and laid out in three sections: Prelude, Voluntary, Postlude in suite-like or triptych form. These brief works do not make unusual technical demands on the player, and the writing. In short, this is pleasant, idiomatic writing for the organ that will appeal to a wide audience.

Charles Ore never disappoints in his ongoing set of chorale preludes. The writing is always fresh, original, and well thought out. Here Ore tackles a set of four Advent and Christmas hymns, two Lenten hymns, and five hymns for general use.

Concordia, II:

William H. Bates. Partita on When in Our Music God is Glorified. #97-6875. $12.00

John A. Behnke. 5 Preludes of Praise. #97-6889. $9.00

John Behnke. Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel). Organ, optional Windchimes or Chime Tree. #97-6909. $9.00

Chorale Preludes and Postludes for Manuals. Charles Callahan, Editor. Volume I. #97-6874. $11.00

Chorale Preludes and Postludes for Manuals. Charles Callahan, Editor. Volume II. #97-6908. $11.00

Milan Crepp. Trumpet Tune in D Major for Trumpet and Organ. #97-6870. $8.00

Kevin Hildebrand. Six Hymn Improvisations. Set 1. #97-6763. $11.00

Kevin Hildebrand. Six Hymn Improvisations. Set 2. #97-6886. $11.00

Keith Kolander. Hymn Tune Sketches. Set I: "Engelberg," "Fred til Bod," "Gift of Finest Wheat," "Healer of Our Every Ill," "Martyrdom." #97-6775. $10.00

Charles W. Ore. Eight. #97-6882. $15.00

Lynn L. Peterson. Spiritual Sounds for Trombone and Organ. #97-6887. $10.00

Kevin J. Sadowski. 11 Hymn Preludes. #97-6883. $11.00

Kevin J. Sadowski. Partita on "On This Day Earth Shall Ring." #97-6911. $8.00

Kevin J. Sadowski. Partita on "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came" (Gabriel's Message). #97-6910. $9.00

Kevin J. Sadowski. Pastorale on "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright." #97-6045. $3.00

The splendid set of variations by William Bates should not be overlooked. This is a notoriously difficult tune to set, but Mr. Bates has delivered seven very clever, fresh movements. Particularly well-done are the Trio in the style of Bach and the de Grigny evocation in the Récit en taille.

Dr. Behnke of Concordia University in Wisconsin never disappoints. His *Five Preludes of Praise* include settings of "Lauda Anima," "Potsdam," "Wondrous Love," "Lobt Gott den Herren, ihr," and "Peace." The pieces are by turns vigorous, lyrical, uplifting; they are always well worked-out and idiomatic. Highly recommended.

Charles Callahan--well-known composer of original works for the organ--changes hats for these two volumes of Baroque chorale preludes. The collections include works by Armsdorff, J. S. Bach, Kauffmann, Albrechtsberger, Fischer, Walther, Kuhnau, Telemann, Zachau, Buxtehude, and Pachelbel. Mr. Callahan carefully notes all editorial material; as such his clean, readable editions are models of their kind.

Although Mr. Hildebrand's settings tend to be formulaic in nature, they are well-composed. The settings in Set 1 include "Ach, was soll ich Sünder machen," "Ebenezer," "Gott sei dank," "Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet," "In dir ist Freude," and "Missionary Hymn"; those in Set 2 include "Bachofen," "Belmont," "Erhalt uns, Herr," "Farley Castle," King's Lynn," and "Nun freut euch."

Professor Ore's volume contains eight pieces that constitute a suite: Entrance, Flight, Diversion, Procession, Excursion, Procession II, Diversion II, Exit. This is very effective writing as one would expect from such a prolific and well-known composer. These works (non-chorale based) are not always easy, but certainly they are well-worth the effort spent in learning them.

Mr. Sadowski's name appears often in this journal, and with good reason. One cannot go wrong with anything composed by Sadowski, and these three examples of his work continue to impress. The writing is very secure and idiomatic. The Hymn Preludes include particularly noteworthy settings of several lesser-known tunes, including "Beatus vir," "Es ist gewisslich," "Meinen Jesum lass ich nicht," and "Royal Oak." The two partitas appear just in time for your Christmas Midnight Mass prelude!

Editions Chantraine/Theodore Presser:

Pierre Cochereau. Berceuse à la Mémoire de Louis Vierne. Improvisation transcribed by Frédéric Blanc. EC 119. $12.50.

Pierre Cochereau. Boléro sur un thème de Charles Racquet pour grand orgue et percussion. Improvisation transcribed by Jean-Marc Cochereau. EC 116. $23.75.

Pierre Cochereau. Cantem Toto La Gloria. Improvisation transcribed by David Briggs. EC 120. $19.75.

Pierre Cochereau. Une Messe Dominicale. Improvisation transcribed by François Lombard. EC 114. $32.25.

Pierre Cochereau. Neuf Pièces improvisées en forme de Suite Française. Reconstructed by Jeanne Joulain. EC 64. $25.25.

Pierre Cochereau. Sortie sur "Haec Dies". Improvisation transcribed by François Lombard. EC 112. $19.50.

Pierre Cochereau. Sortie sur "Venez, Divin Messie". Improvisation transcribed by François Lombard. EC 113. $17.75.

Pierre Cochereau. Treize Improvisations sur les Versets de Vêpres. Improvisations transcribed by Jeanne Joulain. EC 125. $38.00.

Pierre Cochereau. Suite à la Française sur des thèmes populaires. Improvisation transcribed by François Lombard. EC 115. $36.00.

Pierre Cochereau. Symphonie. EC 100. $32.50.

Pierre Cochereau. Variations sur un Noël. Improvisation transcribed by François Lombard. EC 90. $32.75.

Jeanne Joulain. In Memoriam. EC 86. $10.00.

Jeanne Joulain. Noël Flamand. EC 85. $11.00.

Jeanne Joulain. Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'Antoine Drizenko. EC 117. $17.25.

Here are fourteen new publications that--while destined to break the music budget--are musically rich for those who dare to brave the obvious technical difficulties involved in such works. Of these works, only the Symphonie was actually written down by Pierre Cochereau (1924-1984); the remainder were transcribed from the vast repository of recorded improvisations by Cochereau, most of them made at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, where Cochereau was organiste titulaire. Cochereau was a brilliant improvisateur, and these transcriptions offer ample proof of his prodigious musical mind. Those people who heard him improvise on his home turf were struck by the profundity of expression and originality of musical thought that Cochereau was able to coax from the beast that was the former organ in Notre Dame. These publications follow a tradition of transcribing improvisations of famous practitioners of the art that perhaps dates to Maurice Duruflé's famous transcriptions of five recorded improvisations of Charles Tournemire.

Mr. Briggs has written of his transcription, "The Cantem Toto La Gloria is an improvisation which was recorded in the tiny church of Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales) as part of Pierre Cochereau's Summer tour of 1969. The theme is a Catalan religious melody and Cochereau improvised the work on his small transportable instrument which at Collioure had to be lowered into the minute square in front of the church with a little help from the army!. It is in the form of a free Fantaisie and shows a remarkable variety and lightness of approach." This is perhaps the most accessible piece of the lot and is not difficult to perform. Highly recommended.

Jeanne Joulain (b. 1920), a pupil of Dupré, has taught in Lille, Roubaix, and Douai.
In 1994 Joulain revised two pieces: "In Memoriam" (1962) was composed for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Louis Vierne; and "Noël Flamand" (1958). The latter piece deserves to be in the standard repertoire. Of only moderate difficulty, it displays a haunting and rich tonal palette that could only have come from the pen of a French composer in the grand tradition of the symphonic organ.

Editions Chantraine of Tournai, Belgium is to be commended for this enterprise, which obviously involved much effort and capital outlay. This collection of pieces constitutes a major addition to the French organ literature of the second half of the twentieth century. The pieces are beautifully printed, include a brief introduction to each work by the transcriber, and often include the specification of the organ at Notre Dame that Cochereau played during his twenty-nine years at the helm.

Randall Egan Publisher:

Richard C. Baker. Chorale Prelude on "Christe Sanctorum."

Richard C. Baker. Entrata for Christmas Day on "Joy to the World!" #EO-311. $3.75.

Gerald Bales. Elegy for Trumpet and Organ. #EO-109. $6.95.

Charles Callahan. A Christmas Prelude on In dulci Jubilo. #EO-331.

Charles Callahan. Festival Prelude on "Westminster Abbey" for Organ Duet. #EO-316.

Charles Callahan. Meditation on A Medieval Hymn-Tune. #EO-302.

Charles Callahan. Romanza on An English Tune. #EO-317. $5.50.

Charles Callahan. Three Pieces for Organ. #EO-314. $5.75.

Charles Callahan. Two Reflections for Organ. #EO-329. $5.75.

Paul Hamill. Aria for Organ. #EO-333.

Gene Janssen. Trumpet Tune in G. #EO-275.

Alice Jordan. Two Voluntaries on Melodies from The English Tradition. #EO-310. $5.75.

David Lasky. Partita on "Hyfrydol". #EO-300.

David Lasky. Prelude on "Abbot's Leigh". #EO-277. $3.95.

David Lasky. Prelude on "Brother James' Air". #EO-341.

David Lasky. Prelude on "Kingsfold." #EO-326. $3.95

Gordon Lawson. Preludio, Canto Elegiaco and Passacaglia. #EO-531.

Wolfgang Lindner. Two Pieces for Organ. #EO-330. $5.75.

Normand Lockwood. Processional Voluntary. #EO-137. $5.75

Earline Moulder. The Crucifixion. #EO-340.

Gustave Samazeuilh. Prélude.

Robert M. Speed. Reflections on Three English Hymn-Tunes.

Jon Spong. Partita on "He Leadeth Me".

David Ashley White. Reflections on a Tune. #EO-166. $3.85

Healey Willan. Prelude & Fugue in G Minor. #EO-168. $5.85

Canadian Composers' Series:

Richard C. Baker. A Fancy on "Westminster Abbey".

Richard C. Baker. Chorale and Fugue in A Minor. $4.50

Ruth Watson Henderson. Chromatic Partita. #EO-130.

Jacobus Kloppers. Now Thank We All Our God.

The Marilyn Mason Organ Series:

Gerald Bales. Te Deum, 1986.

These ambitious series has brought forth much of interest. The works published here run the gamut from simple service music to complex recital pieces. Several works stand out for their obvious quality, chief among them the short Prelude and Fugue by Healey Willan. Ruth Watson Henderson's Chromatic Partita is difficult in all respects, but may be an important addition to the recital repertoire. Gerald Bales's distinguished Elegy for Trumpet and Organ certainly deserves to be heard and might well find its rightful place on recitals of music for organ and trumpet.

Richard C. Baker's lovely trio on "Westminster Abbey" and his Chorale and Fugue are well written. Although not usually a fan organ music by Jacobus Kloppers, the little partita on "Now Thank We All Our God" is perhaps the exception that proves the rule: energetic, humorous, grand, always idiomatic.

As for the rest, suffice it to say that we all have different tastes. On the whole, one does easily tire after pages of parallel thirds, fourths, fifths, and sixths; "hour-or-power" harmony; faux French toccata-writing; badly timed rhythmic writing; and trite attempts at counterpoint. Not that the writing is all bad; one only wishes for more editorial control in certain places.

Editions Henry Lemoine, Paris:

Orgue d'Aujourd'hui.

1e Cycle:

Jean-Pierre Leguay. Capriccio. No price.
Alain Mabit. Segments. No price.
Christian Villeneuve. Pièces à convictions. No price.

2e Cycle:

Jacques Charpentier. Ouvrez-vous, Portes Eternelles. $16.50
Charles Chaynes. Vers la Lumière. $17.75
Antoine Tisné. Trames multicolores. $16.50

3e Cycle:

Thierry Escaich. Cinq versets sur le Victimae Paschali. $19.00
Loïc Mallié. Variation circulaire. $17.75
Raffi Ourgandjian. Polyphonies en écho. $17.75

These pieces were commissioned by the French Ministry of Culture as test pieces for the various organ classes in conservatories of the Ile-de-France. As such, they coincided with the huge organ festival several years ago entitled Forum des Orgues d'Ile. The practice of commissioned Pièces de Concours has been around for orchestral instruments at the Paris Conservatory since the mid-nineteenth century. Only recently (1961) did the government begin to commission a pièce imposé for the organ every year at the Paris Conservatory. Students have six weeks to prepare the pièce imposé, and they play this piece in addition to two or three other works from the standard organ literature. Study leading to a Premier Prix is a rigorous and unforgiving process that culminates in the final Concours, a public examination that usually takes place in late May. A panel of distinguished musicians acts as a jury in order to determine who earns the coveted Premier Prix.

The first set of pieces had as one of its aims the introduction of contemporary musical language (collected in one volume and not available for this review). The preface to the second cycle of pieces suggests that the three pieces in volume I are of less difficulty than the present works. All of these works exhibit the hallmarks one would expect from such test pieces: they are exceedingly difficult with passages of compound rhythms, virtuosic passage work, contemporary notation, aleatoric elements, and difficult pedal writing.

The work by Jacques Charpentier was written as an hommage to the famous large cathedral organ in Passau, Germany. As far as the general style and technical demands placed on the performer, this work does not differ significantly from his two earlier pieces for the Paris Conservatory (Répons, 1969 and Dona Ei, 1986, both published by Leduc).

Antoine Tisné likewise has written for the organ students at the Paris Conservatory, a piece for the 1981 Concours entitled Psaume pour notre Temps. The present piece consists of five brief movements, each an etude on a different technique (held chords with trilled notes; overlapping legato; trio playing; alternating chords; staccato).

Likewise, the work by Charles Chaynes contains four brief Préludes in a sparse, concentrated style.

Loïc Mallié has indeed composed a piece that looks circular on the page. The effect of all of this swirling is captivating, although whether the length of the piece justifies the long hours of practice required to learn this work remains to be seen.

Thierry Escaich's five movements on the Easter sequence Victimae Paschali make a grand effect, judging from a recent recording by Denis Comtet on the Göckel organ in the Heilig-Geist-Kirche in Mannheim, Germany (available from Orgelbau Karl Göckel, Hauptstrasse 30, D-69254 Malsch, Germany). For the most part the tune reveals itself only bits at a time.

Raffi Ourgandjian built his piece around five short movements. The menacingly difficult nature of this work seems to assure that this piece may quickly be relegated to the quick-sale bargain bin at the local music store.

G.I.A.:

Harold Owen. Three Meditations for organ on Lenten Hymns: Aus der Tiefe, As Tiefer Not, Erhalt Uns Herr. G.I.A. G-5414. $12.00

Harold Owen. Twenty-Five Organ Harmonizations: Alternate Hymn Settings in Various Styles. G.I.A. G-5384. $18.00

J. Christopher Pardini. Toccata on "Amazing Grace." G.I.A. G-5523. $8.00

As note some time ago in these pages, it would seem to be impossible to have too many hymn harmonizations in one's library. Mr. Owen has written of this interesting collection, "There is a long-standing tradition in churches of all denominations for the organist to play imaginative alternate harmonizations for some verses of a hymn, especially the final one. Since these settings are quite different from those in hymnals, choirs and congregations will sing these verses in unison. Some talented (and daring) organists may improvise new harmonizations for familiar hymns. Consequently, alternate harmonizations in print tend to maintain the feeling of improvisation. In this collection, I have set hymns in several styles: Bach-like ornamental figuration, unexpected modulations and chord substitution, imitation and double canon, folk-like modal harmony, shape-note harmonic style, and gospel style. Recommended.

Mr. Pardini's Toccata was composed for the "Hour of Power" broadcasts at the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California, where he is the organist. If you are an admirer of this style of worship and music, then this one is for you!

H. W. Gray Publications:

John Barr. Two Christmas Hymns for Organ. GSTCM00004. #4.95

Steven Blackmon. Fanfare in C for Organ. GSTC9809. $3.95

Matthew H. Corl. Intrada for Organ. GSTCM00001. #3.95

Matthew H. Corl. Three Hymn Improvisations. GB9905. $5.95

Jean Langlais. Fête. St. Cecilia Series. GSTC00884. $4.95

David Maxwell. Trumpet Tune and Flourishes for Organ and Optional Trumpet. GSTCM00003. $4.95

The St. Cecilia Collection of Music for Lent and Easter. Compiled & Edited by Dale Tucker. GB00663. $10.95

Mark Thewes. Herald March for Organ. GSTCM00002. #3.95

Mr. Barr's Prelude on "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and Toccata on "Antioch" are welcome additions to the vast literature of music written for the Christmas season.

One has to marvel at the large number of Trumpet Tunes/Voluntarys appear every year. If Mr. Purcell (or Mr. Clarke) were alive to see it, he (they) would wonder at the staying power of this style. Why, one wonders, do we latch onto some styles and not onto others? Could it be simply that it is difficult to improvise/compose in this pleasant "olde" English style? Mr. Maxwell's contribution--while well-composed--is virtually interchangeable with dozens (hundreds?) of other pieces of its type. It breaks no new ground, and perhaps does not intend to. Mr. Corl's Intrada is composed in trumpet fanfare style in a moderately contemporary idiom. The work by Mr. Thewes--while not titled as such--is another trumpet voluntary, a pleasant enough piece in the mildly dissonant style that seems to win favor among today's publishers.

The Langlais Fête probably needs neither introduction nor endorsement; without doubt it stands out as one of this composer's finest works. Difficult, but well worth the effort.

Mr. Tucker's volume of music for Lent and Easter presumably contains previously issued material from the extensive and venerable St. Cecilia Series, which may help to account for the modest price of this volume. The collection contains thirty piece, including works by Bach (mostly transcriptions of cantata movements, replete with outmoded phrasings and articulations), Bossi, Dandrieu, Dickinson, Dubois, Garth Edmundson, Gaul, Lemare, Sowerby (Prelude on "Were You There" Prelude on "Land of Rest," Prelude on "Sine Nomine," and Requiescat in Pace), and Titcomb.

Morning Star Music Publishers:

Wilbur Held. Four Advent Hymn Preludes, Set. 1. MSM-10-010. $8.00

Walter L. Pelz. Triptych on Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word. MSM-10-808. $6.00

Emily Maxson Porter. Partita on Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. MSM-10-714. $11.00

Charles Callahan. Advent Music for Manuals, Set 2. MSM-10-011. $8.00

These four highly-respected composers need no introduction, and the high quality of work emanating from Morning Star is of course well-known.

Wilbur Held's collection includes settings of "Bereden Väg För Herran," "Chesterfield," "Gottes Sohn ist Kommen," and "Helmsley." The gorgeous setting of "Gottes Sohn ist Kommen" alone would justify buying these preludes.

Perhaps the most consistently engaging writing among these works comes from Walter Pelz. The majestic second movement of his Triptych is creative and well-written without lapsing into pomposity.

Emily Porter's four-movement partita runs on a bit, but there are interesting moments, and the counterpoint is well conceived.

Callahan's eight brief chorale preludes for Advent (including "Chesterfield," "Helmsley," "Merton," "Richmond," "St. Stephen," "Stuttgart," and "Winchester New") are delightful, simple to perform, and very useful as hymn preludes or interludes. Particularly noteworthy are the settings of "Gabriel's Message" and "Picardy."

Morning Star Music Publishers, II:

Franklin Ashdown. A Tuscan Adagio. MSM-10-956. $7.00

James Biery. We Walk By Faith. MSM-10-526. $10.00

Mark E. Bloedow. Five Communion Hymns for Manuals. MSM-10-825. $7.00

Mark E. Bloedow. Five Lenten and Holy Week Hymn Settings. MSM-10-325. $8.00

Michael Burkhardt. Dear Christians One and All, Rejoice. MSM-10-809. $13.00

Michael Burkhardt. Eight Improvisations on 20th Century Hymn Tunes, Set 2. MSM-10-533. $20.00

Michael Burkhardt. Engelberg: Theme and Variations. MSM-10-728. $11.50

Michael Burkhardt. Five Christmas Hymn Improvisations, Set 3. MSM-10-137. $9.50

Michael Burkhardt. From Heaven Above to Earth I Come; A Festive Hymn Setting. MSM-10-144. $9.00

Michael Burkhardt. Hymns of Joy: 3 Improvisations for Advent and Christmas. MSM-10-013. $11.00

Michael Burkhardt. Hymn To Joy. MSM-10-729. $7.00

Michael Burkhardt. Six General Hymn Improvisations, Set. 2. MSM-10-534. $10.00

Charles Callahan. Christmas Music for Manuals, Set 2. MSM-10-135. $7.00

Charles Callahan. Lenten Music for Manuals, Set 2. MSM-10-324. $7.00

John Ferguson. A Christmas Triptych Based on 3 Carols, Set. 3. MSM-10-141. $8.00

John Ferguson. In Quiet Joy: Easter Triptych. MSM-10-422. $8.00

John Ferguson. Partita on At the Lamb's High Feast. MSM-10-400. $5.50

Stephen Fiess. Two Christmas Carols: Variations. MSM-10-143. $9.00

Raymond H. Haan. Ceremonial Procession and Pastorale. MSM-10-954. $7.00

Raymond H. Haan. Five for Christmas. MSM-10-139. $15.00

Raymond H. Haan. Four Hymn Meditations. MSM-10-519. $7.00

Raymond H. Haan. Two Psalm Reflections. MSM-10-952. $6.00

Wilbur Held. The Lord is My Shepherd: Six Hymn Settings on Psalm 23. MSM-10-420. $9.00

Wilbur Held. Six Hymn Settings for Epiphany. MSM-10-206. $10.00

Robert A. Hobby. 3 Hymns of Praise, Set. 6. MSM-10-542. $11.00

Robert A. Hobby. Three Christmas Preludes. MSM-10-145. $8.00

Layton James. Two Festive Christmas Settings for Trumpet and Organ: Hear, King of Angels; and Joy to the World. MSM-20-101. $10.00

Joseph W. Jenkins. Fancy and Ayre. MSM-10-957. $9.00

Joseph W. Jenkins. Six Pieces for Organ. MSM-10-947. $11.00

Paul Laubengayer. 3 Pieces for Organ: Aria, Toccata, Trumpet Tune. MSM-10-953. $10.00

Paul Manz. Three Hymn Settings, Set. 1: MSM-10-522. $8.50

Paul Manz. Three Hymn Settings, Set. 2. MSM-10-525. $8.00

Sam Batt Owens. Six Meditations on Plainsong Melodies. MSM-10-531. $9.00

Sam Batt Owens. Two Trumpet Tunes. MSM-10-951. $6.00

Robert J. Powell. Three Psalm Preludes. MSM-10-930. $4.00

William P. Rowan. Trumpet March in D and Trumpet Recessional for Organ. MSM-10-955. $9.00

Frank Stoldt. Five Hymn Settings. MSM-10-931. $5.50

Mickey Thomas Terry, editor. African-American Organ Music Anthology. MSM-10-545. $13.00

Lynn Trapp, editor. Three Plainchants for Organ. MSM-10-513. $7.00

Lynn Trapp, editor. Three Plainchants for Organ, Set. 2. MSM-10-532. $7.00

James Biery bases his five-movement suite on "Dunlap's Creek," an early-nineteenth century hymn tune. This work is well-crafted, very effective and evocative: highly recommended.

The gifted and prolific Michael Burkhardt rarely disappoints, and these pieces reinforce his already stellar reputation as one of the most original voices composing organ music for the church today. Mr. Burkhardt's seven-movement partita on "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice" ("Nun freut euch") includes a fanfare-like opening movement followed by an Allegro, a Chorale, an Elegy, a Pastorale, a Canon, and a Finale, each of which attempts to portray the text of a stanza of the hymn.

In addition to the creative chorale preludes presented in his "Eight Improvisations on 20th Century Hymn Tunes," Mr. Burkhardt includes a hymn accompaniment in four-part harmony with text for each of the hymns in the collection: Michael; Heaven's Gift; Wonder; Now; Marvel; Moshier; Tokyo; and Fiat Pax. Highly recommended.

Mr. Burkhardt's Theme and Variations on "Engelberg" was commissioned for the 1999 Region III Convention of the American Guild of Organists. Of his "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come," Mr. Burkhardt has written: "Nine of the original 15 stanzas are included in this Festive Hymn Setting, a musical pageant sharing the angel's message in stanzas 1-4 and responses to that message in stanzas 5-9. The melody and rhythms of each of the settings by Praetorius, Reger, and Scheidt have been adapted to fit the version of the chorale melody which serves as the basis for this Festive Hymn Setting." The work is an alternatim setting in which harmonizations of the chorale alternate with stanzas composed for organ alone.

Burkhardt's Voluntary on "Hymn to Joy" is a processional or recessional that combines the familiar tune by Beethoven with the Voluntary IX by John Stanley. The "Six General Hymn Improvisations" include settings of Aurelia; Crucifer; Morning Hymn/Tallis' Canon; Sine Nomine; So nimm denn meine Hande, and St. Denio.

Of his "In Quiet Joy," John Ferguson has written: "so much Easter music is big and powerful, and well it should be. But there is a place amidst the joyful noise of the Easter season for a few quiet, contemplative moments. These hymn preludes are conceived to meet this need. They may be played in succession as a suite or each could stand alone, perhaps during a quiet moment in a service or recital."

Dr. Ferguson's "Christmas Triptych" presents three familiar tunes: Antioch; Away in a Manger, and Bohemian Carol. He has written of this work: "The tonal key relationships of these carol improvisations suggest usage as a suite. However, each carol prelude may serve as an introduction for the singing of the carol; a response after the singing of the carol, in combination with other settings of the same tune; or as a part of larger cycle of carol preludes."

Stephen Fiess's lively and creative setting of "God Rest You Merry" surely will become a staple in the repertoire of many organists who love this tune but rarely find quality settings that delight and amuse as here. Mr. Fiess also sets "Die Hirten auf dem Felde," a nineteenth-century Austrian Folk Carol.

Mr. Haan's vivacious setting of "Salten y Ballen" might easily justify the price of this little volume of Christmas pieces. The others include Antioch; Quittez, Pasteurs; Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen; Joseph lieber; Joseph mein; and Puer nobis.

In the "Six Hymn Settings on Psalm 23" by Wilbur Held, there is nothing fancy, just the usual reliable, well-written work that we have come to expect from Mr. Held over his long and fruitful career. Would that all editors and publishers demanded such a high standard of voice-leading and other fundamentals of composition. Mr. Held rarely suffers lapses of taste (despite the "Hollywood" ending appended to the setting of "Brother James' Air"). Other tunes include Dominus Regit Me; St. Columba; Evan; Crimond; and Resignation.

Although one always hesitates to review music composed by former students, one hopes that by now the reputations of Robert Hobby and Lynn Trapp are by well enough established that any words from a former teacher are superfluous. Mr. Hobby works very much in the Lutheran chorale prelude tradition, and his handling of the musical material is always apt and fitting for the mood of the text. In his "Three Christmas Preludes" he sets Mendelssohn; St. Louis; and Greensleeves. The "Three Hymns of Praise" continue a long series of such compositions and include Nettleton; CWM Rhondda; and Azmon. Dr. Trapp works in a different world, including as he does three plainchants: Regina caeli (by the editor); In paradisum (in a setting by David Cherwien), and Puer natus (by Mark Sedio).

More lovely chant settings can be found in the collection by Sam Batt Owens: Adoro te devote; Conditor alme siderum; Divinum mysterium; In paradisum; Pange lingua; and Stabat mater dolorosa.

Dr. Jenkins has written about his "Fancy and Ayre," that "this piece was composed late in 1966, in memory of my father-in-law. . . The beginning is suspiciously reminiscent of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Any similarity is quickly swallowed by the Stentorian polychords of the first theme that bark and scream in a towering rage. The secondary material is severely quiet and distant, recalling the faux bourdon that graced the English Cathedral music of the middle ages. These two ideas are repeated and varied. The final anger reaches terrifying heights before subsiding and collapsing into the mists of a modal epilogue that fades to a wan and bleak final octave."

Dr. Terry has written about his excellent collection, "covering the span from mid-to late 20th Century, this series is designed to include music representing African-American men and women who wrote for the organ during this period. The music may be utilized either in recital or for the church service. Contrary to popular belief, the classical music of African-Americans not only includes works that are based on the Negro spiritual, but also include compositions based on or influenced by a variety of sources. Among these are plain chant, African-tribal tunes, general Protestant hymnody, German chorales, original composer themes, music from the Jewish liturgical tradition, as well as Civil Rights themes. One will find many of these categories represented herein. . . As for the composers in the series, several are alumni of prominent musical institutions both in the U.S. and abroad. Moreover, several were recipients of prestigious composition awards. As for the series itself, its purpose is to draw attention to organ music produced by a sorely neglected, but substantive school of American composers whose recognition is long overdue."

Paul Manz is a fountain of ideas that never runs dry. He even manages to make "Westminster Abbey" sound Lutheran. The setting of "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether" is sumptuous.

Frank Stoldt's fugal setting of "Ar hyd y nos" could serve as a model for such effective chorale preludes. One could only wish that more composers who attempt such settings had the ability to write something so expertly, and yet have it sound so natural and straight-forward. The other settings (The Ash Grove; Ellacombe; Lobe den Herren; Werde Munter) are likewise engaging; since this is his first published work, we look forward to more from the pen of Mr. Stoldt.

Novello Modern Organ Repertory:

Jennifer Bate. Four Reflections. Novello 01 0223. $7.75. 1988.

Jean Langlais. Fantasy on two old Scottish themes (A Scottish Festival). Novello 01 0224. $6.25. 1988.

Paul Spicer. Four Organ Pieces. Novello 01 0225. $9.75. 1988.

Paraclete Press:

Leslie Betteridge. Vespers for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09525. No price listed.

Leslie Betteridge. Offertoire for Organ (manuals only). Paraclete Press, PPM09621. No price listed.

Leslie Betteridge. Intrada for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09526. No price listed.

Leslie Betteridge. Gregorian Prelude for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09604. No price listed.

Leslie Betteridge. Meditation for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09622. No price listed.

Norman Coke-Jephcott. Fantasie on a National Air for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09810. $5.60.

Alun Hoddinott. Passacaglia and Fugue on B.A.C.H. Paraclete Press, PPM09619. No price listed.

Joel Martinson. Twelve Organ Trios. Paraclete Press, PPM09702. No price listed.

Bruce Neswick. Fantasia on Adestes Fideles for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09719. No price listed.

Peter Pindar Stearns. Triptych for Holy Week based upon antiphons for Magnificat for Organ. Paraclete Press, PPM09830. $5.60.

Mr. Betteridge composed these pieces in response to a request from an English Benedictine monastery organist for fairly simple pieces in diverse styles. The result is atmospheric music in the grand English Cathedral style.

Mr. Hoddinott's thorny work on the B.A.C.H. theme requires considerable commitment from the player. If you are looking for an appropriate homage to Bach in the two-hundredth-fiftieth year of his death, perhaps this highly idiomatic and well-composed work is your cup of tea.

Organists who know and admire Mr. Martinson's work do not need to be convinced of his considerable skills as a composer. These clever and well-composed trios deserve to be taught and performed. They "are intended to be a twentieth-century equivalent of the Ten Trios, Op. 49, by Josef Rheinberger, and, as in that volume, have been placed in graded order. They may be used by the earliest beginner through the most advanced player."

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to hear Mr. Neswick improvise know of his considerable talents in this realm. His extended Fantasia should find a welcome place in recitals and during Christmas prelude music.

Equally delightful is Coke-Jephcott's Fantasie on "God Save the Queen." A slow, quiet introduction gives way to a well-constructed fugue. The work ends with a rousing, massive free harmonization of the tune on full organ. Very effective and highly recommended.

In his three pieces for Holy Week, Mr. Stearns employs the Magnificat antiphons for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The last piece is a particularly effective setting that calls for the Gregorian melody to be played on a four-foot flute in the pedals.

Selah Publishing Company:

Alfred V. Fedak. Sonata for Worship. #160-844. $12.00.

Craig Phillips. Fantasy: Torah Song. #160-857. $12.50.

Franklin D. Ashdown. Preambolo Maestoso. #160-867. $9.00.

David Ashley White. Brewer's Trumpet. #160-844. $12.00.

Here are more quality works from Selah. We are told that the three movements of David Fedak's Sonata "were intended as a prelude, offertory, and postlude. . . The final movement is a Carillon on Genevan Psalm 42 (Freu dich sehr)." Moderately difficult.

Craig Phillips based his Torah Song "on a Hasidic melody (Yisrael V'oraita) found in several contemporary hymnals. This piece was the winner of the 1994 National Organ Composition Competition sponsored by the Ruth and Clarence Mader Memorial Scholarship Fund and was required repertoire for the Mader Organ Playing Competition in 1996. Not overly difficult."

Mr. Ashdown's work "was premiered at the Far West AGO Regional in 1993."

The Brewer in question in Mr. White's piece is the hymn tune by the same name, "a hymn [also by Mr. White] found in New Songs of Rejoicing and in anthem form from Augsburg Fortress." This well-composed work might well take its place in the standard wedding repertoire.

Saint Cecilia Series. H. W. Gray Publications:

Rulon Christiansen. Toccata in D Major. $4.00.

Christian Robert. Laus Deo: Carillon pour grand orgue. $3.50.

Christian Robert. Fanfare pour grand orgue. $3.50.

Franklin D. Ashdown. Tuba Tune in D Flat. $3.50.

Dennis Janzer. Canonic Voluntary on "Abbot's Leigh." $3.50.

Michael Joseph. Scherzo. $3.50.

Michael Joseph. Festive Voluntary on the Kyrie from "Missa de Angelis." $3.50.

David Lasky. Trio on "The First Noel." $3.50.

Robert H. McIver. Introduction and Chaconne. $3.50.

Peter Pindar Stearns. Introduction, Chorale and Fughetta on "Pange Lingua." $3.50.

Marc Charpentier. Prelude to the Te Deum in D Major. Arranged for Organ and Optional Trumpet by Carl Staplin. $3.50.

Douglas B. Leightenheimer. The Faithful Shepherd. $4.50.

Matthew H. Corl. Variations on "Divinum Mysterium." $3.50.

John Leavitt. Joyous Day! $3.50.

One always welcomes new titles in this venerable series. The wide variety of new works here runs the gamut from chant-based pieces to a humorous scherzo. Rulon Christiansen's fine new Toccata is particularly noteworthy among the free works. It is strongly written in grand French style, although its difficulty does not lend itself to sight-reading for the Easter postlude!

Frenchman Christian Robert composed the present works for a visit of Queen Elisabeth II to the Cathedral of St. André, Bordeaux on June 12, 1992. The Laus Deo even includes an optional fifteen-measure harmonization of "God Save the Queen" on full organ!

The works by Franklin Ashdown, Dennis Janzer, Michael Joseph, David Lasky, Robert McIver, and Peter Pindar Stearns break no new ground, though they are competently written. One wonders if we really need another work in the style of Pachelbel's famous Canon; apparently McIver thought we did, hence his Chaconne.

Carl Staplin's arrangement of the Charpentier Prelude is pleasant and would make a splendid fresh wedding processional.

Douglas Leightenheimer's work "is a paraphrase of Psalm 23 and receives its title from a stained glass representation of Psalm 23 in the church for which the piece was commissioned (First Church of God, New Boston, Ohio). This is a gorgeous and expressive--if somewhat too lengthy and repetitive--work (perhaps it represents "New Age Music" of "Minimalist" for the organ?).

Most disturbing in this group of works is Matthew Corl's set of variations. The composer obviously reveres the work of the late Maurice Duruflé, especially the variations on "Veni Creator" (the model for this present piece). Flattering imitation and borrowing are not new in music, of course. What would perhaps have made this work more palatable was some acknowledgment of the source, perhaps a note about Duruflé or a sub-title: "Homage to Maurice Duruflé."

John Leavitt never disappoints. Any money spent on his works is worth every dime. Simply put, Leavitt composes energetic, well crafted, and joyful music, not a combination that one encounters every day. While not profound, this music probably does not mean to be. It does what it sets out to do, something that so little contemporary music composed for the church does: it serves in an honest, forthright, and unobtrusive manner without a trace of narcissism.

Saint Cecilia Series. H. W. Gray Publications, II:

Johann Sebastian Bach. Sleepers, Wake! (Opening Chorale Fantasy from Cantata No. 140). Arranged for Organ by Wayne Peterson. $4.00.

John G. Barr. Two Plainsong Meditations: Conditor Alme Siderum and Adoro te Devote. $4.50.

Hal H. Hopson. Variations on "CWM Rhondda". $4.00.

Dennis R. Johnson. Aria and Processional for Organ. $4.50.

Michael Joseph. Festive Voluntary on "Ellacombe". $3.50.

Michael Joseph. Variations on "St. Patrick". $3.50.

Edward Kerr. Improvisation on "Wir Pflügen": We Plough the Fields and Scatter. $3.95.

Edward Kerr. Toccata on "Lobe den Herren". $3.50.

John F. Kriebel. Hymn Fantasy on "Be Thou My Vision". $3.50.

David Lasky. A Festive Rondeau (Processional for Organ, with optional B Flat Trumpet). $3.95.

David Lasky. Variations on "Hursley". $3.50.

David Lasky. Variations on "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord". $3.50.

Dennis E. Northway. Passacaglia, Opus 3. $4.50.

Gabriel Pierné. Little Suite. Transcribed for Organ by Craig A. Penfield. $4.50.

Theodore W. Ripper. Partita on "Quem Pastores Laudavere". $4.00.

Mark Thewes. Two Trumpet Tunes. $4.00.

The is one of the most discouraging sets of pieces to come down the pike in a long time. Only those with strong stomachs should read on.

The arrangements for organ are pleasant enough, but given the vast amount of the organ repertoire that is worth playing, why do we need such publications?

The usual passel of hymn variations dominates our attention. These pieces disappoint on technical grounds (doesn't anyone study counterpoint and voice leading any more?). One or two rapid flourishes and a few interesting chords do not a coherent composition make! The lack of technical expertise causes the musical content to lag; thus the level of inspiration runs the gamut from "A" to "B" (to paraphrase Dorothy Parker). With the notable and welcome exceptions of Ripper (original ideas coupled with strong writing), Michael Joseph's "St. Patrick" (wonderful tune), and Barr (creative effects if somewhat too long), one struggles to understand how such music gets off of an editor's desk.

A close examination of the free works does little to bolster one's mood. The amount of trite writing seems to have exploded exponentially since the last batch of St. Cecilia publications. We have had enough parallel fifths and octaves, derivative melodies, poorly-written counterpoint (or none at all), and appallingly bad sense of rhythm and structure. The axiom seems to be that if one motive or idea is good, twenty will be better (please see the Orgelbüchlein for examples of how to get mileage out of one good motive). The approach seems to be a supermarket as opposed to a carefully planned meal. Particularly confounding was the music history lesson contained in the preface to Mr. Northway's Passacaglia. It bears extended quotation:

"A Passacaglia can be seen as a composition wherein the falling bass line is repeated with continuing unfolding variations working themselves out above. A Passacaglia can also be seen as a repeating harmonic pattern not unlike some perceptions of the Chaconne or Ciaconna. This work could be viewed as a combination of both of these definitions, or the procedures stated above."

To be sure there are bright spots here, but overall the picture appears grim. Have musical tastes and standards been brought so low by cultural malaise and the "dumbing of America" that we have been reduced to this? One hopes not.

Memo to Composers: Please no more formulaic chorale variations (tune, trio, strings, gigue, non-fugal final), no more parallel sixths for pages at a time, no more "Starwars" melodies; learn the rudiments of music.

Memo to St. Cecilia Series: More editorial control, please.

Memo to Organists: They will keep publishing sub-standard scores as long as we buy them. Use the power of the dollar: withhold your money until the quality improves!

Saint Cecilia Series. H. W. Gray Publications, III:

Franklin D. Ashdown. Appalachian Pastorale based on "Consolation." GSTC9801. $3.95.

Franklin D. Ashdown. Fanfare, Chaconne and Sortie. GSTC9620. $4.95.

Franklin D. Ashdown. "Kingsfold" Chorale. GSTC9802. $3.95.

Franklin D. Ashdown. Partita on "Holy Manna." GSTC9621. $3.95.

Franklin D. Ashdown. "Sussex" Variations. A Carol Suite for Organ. GSTC9703. $4.95.

Steven Blackmon. Fanfare in C. GSTC9809. $3.95.

Michael Helman. Trumpet Tune in C. GSTC9706. $3.95.

J. J. Keeler. Chorale Improvisation on Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent (Picardy). GSTC9618. $3.95.

Gordon King. Prelude on Go Tell It On The Mountain. GSTC9614. $3.95.

John Kriebel. Partita on Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen). GSTC9613. $4.95.

David Lasky. Fanfare and Trumpet Tune on "O Worship the King" ('Hanover'). GSTC9708. $3.95.

David Lasky. Partita on "St. Anne." GSTC9612. $4.95.

David Lasky. Pastorale on "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear." GSTC9615. $3.95.

David Lasky. Suite Brevis on "See Amid the Winter's Snow" (Humility). GSTC9616. $3.95.

David Lasky. Variations on Puer Nobis Nascitur (Unto Us a Boy is Born). GSTC9707. $4.95.

Page Long. Toccata on "Adeste Fideles." GSTC9807. $3.95.

Mark Thewes. Pedal Variations on Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. GSTC9810. $3.95.

Darwin Wolford. Toccata on All Creatures of Our God and King (Lasst Uns Erfreuen). GSTC9804. $3.95.

More from the ambitious publishers of this long and distinguished series. Much the best writing comes from the three composers of LDS background, perhaps not surprisingly given the strong organ and choral tradition of this denomination. Dr. Ashdown's writing is well-known and very consistently of high quality. His lyrical gift always strikes the right balance between melodic invention and deft counterpoint as in the haunting Appalachian Pastorale based on "Consolation" or in the spirited "Sussex" Variations. Prof. Keeler--long-time professor of organ at Brigham Young University--begins his gorgeous setting of Picardy softly, builds to full organ, and then dies away on soft strings. The writing is simple, effective and evocative. Prof. Darwin Woolford of Ricks College in Idaho has composed a skillful (and somewhat difficult!) toccata on Lasst uns erfreuen, a tune that does not easily submit to such original elaboration.

Of the rest, Mr. Lasky's lively three-movement partita on "See Amid the Winter's Snow" and his lovely Pastorale on "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" bear repeated visits. We also hope to see more from Gordon King (whose soulful Prelude on Go Tell It On The Mountain is an unexpected pleasure) and John Kriebel whose Partita on Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming strikes just the right mood for the season.

(1) Hinson, Maurice, ed. Classical Music for the Church Service, Vol. I, II, III. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Company, 1989.

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Additional Organ Publications

Compiled by Dr. Gail Walton

General

John Bennett. Six Voluntaries for Organ. Edited by H. Diack Johnstone.
Novello 01 0211. $15.00.

Johannes Brahms. Werke für Orgel. Urtext edition by George Bozarth. Henle, 1988.

G. F. Handel. Six Fugues or Voluntarys for organ or harpsichord. Edited by H. Diack Johnstone. Oxford Press.

Herbert Howells. Two Pieces for Organ. Manuals Only. Novello 01 0166 04. $3.25.

Herbert Howells. Six Short Pieces. Edited by Robin Wells. Novello 01 0221. $10.50.

Herbert Howells. Three Pieces. Edited by Robin Wells. Novello 01 0222. $8.75.

Johann Ludwig Krebs. Sämtliche Orgelwerke. Edited by Gerhard Weinberger. Edition Breitkopf.

Vol. I: Präludien, Toccaten, Fugen. ED 8411
Vol. II: Präludien, Fantasien, Fugen, Trios. ED 8413
Vol. III: Choralbearbeitungen. ED 8415
Vol. IV: Klavierübung. ED 8417

William Mathias. Organ Album. Oxford Press. ISBN 0 19 375550 5. $7.75.

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

Felix Mendelssohn. Complete Organ Works. Edited by William Little. Novello.
5 volumes.

Classical Organ Music from the death of J. S. Bach to the advent of Mendelssohn. Edited by Robin Langley. Oxford Press. 3 volumes. $8.95/vol.

English Organ Music: An Anthology from Four Centuries in Ten Volumes. Novello.

Vol. 1: #01 0191. John Ambrose to John Bull
Vol. 2: #01 0192. Orlando gibbons to Matthew Locke
Vol. 3: #01 0193. John Blow to John Stanley
Vol. 4: #01 0194. Henry Purcell to John Stanley
Vol. 5: #01 0195. John Stanley to John Keeble
Vol. 6: #01 0196. John Keeble to Samuel Wesley
Vol. 7: #01 0197. The Duet Repertoire 1530-1830
Vol. 8: #01 0198. The Concerto Repertoire 1740-1815
Vol. 9: #01 0199. Thomas Attwood to Thomas Atwood Walmisley
Vol. 10: #10 0202. Samuel Sebastian Wesley

Faber Early Organ Series. European Organ Music of the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries. Faber Music, London.

Vols. 1-3: England (ed. Cox)
Vols. 4-6: Spain & Portugal (ed. Dalton)
Vols. 7-9: France (ed. Dalton)
Vols. 10-12: The Netherlands & N. Germany (ed. Glahn & Elmer)
Vols. 13-15: S. Germany & Austria (ed. Wollenberg)
Vols. 16-18: Itlay (ed. Dalton)

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

Chorale Preludes

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

Charles Callahan. Partita on Ein feste Burg. Morning Star Music Publishers.
MSM 10-800. Copyright 1987. $5.00

Charles Callahan. Advent Music for Manuals. Morning Star Music Publishers.
MSM 10-1. Copyright 1989. $6.00

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

Robert Hobby. Partita on Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. Concordia 97-6082. $6.00.

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

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

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

Charles Ore. 11 Compositions for Organ, Set V. Concordia, #97-6107. $9.75.

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