Recital pieces

[QFE]

Hi all,

I'm on the lookout for some new and interesting pieces to learn for the regular concerts that we have at our church.

Pieces of the 'lollipop' variety are particularly popular, like the Rondo in G as the occasions are always quite relaxed and include popular and classical items from the choir and soloists. I've thrown in a few 'challenging' works by Howells and Alain, but these tend to get a luke warm response compared to the choirs rendition of 'You'll never walk Alone'

If anyone has any suggestions for pleasing but musically educating works, i would be most greatful. (FYI one time cathedral organ scholar, though I'm not so good these days, Grade 8 and a bit above is about my current standard.)

cheers,

QFE

[dll927]

This would appear to be a question of what audience you are aiming for. I once heard a story of someone related to Wagner who was visiting the U. S. When she was told of using the "Lohengrin" piece in weddings, she said, "They play THAT in church???"

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir often does pieces from films etc. Some organists include hymn tunes in concerts. So maybe there don't need to be hard and fast rules. But I doubt that many organists would want to play "Twelfth Street Rag" in a concert!!

Most members of an audience at any type of classical music concert are probably at least noddingly familiar with the music being played. And most music done at organ concerts I've attended pretty well stuck to the organ repertoire. Most members of the Boston Pops are members of the Boston Symphony. So where do you draw the line?

[jhnbrbr]

You've probably thought of these already, but here are a couple of suggestions on the light/popular side: "Evensong" by Easthope Martin, one of Lefebure Wely's slightly outrageous Sortie's, Adagio "by" Albinoni, theme from Schindler's List.

[Krummhorn]

Hi QFE ... and welcome to Magle International Music Forums

Besides my normal church routines, I also play concerts. I have employed a variety of pieces from the very serious (Mendelssohn's Sonata I) to the crowd pleasing Scott Joplin Rags. Just last November I included The Great Crush Crash (Joplin) and The Entertainer ... both very well received and appreciated.

Another piece is a collection by the late Richard Purvis: Four Dubious Conceits (out of print for many years, but may be available in college music libraries that have an organ program).

Other "soothing" pieces that I include are:

• Harmonies du soir ......... Karg-Elert
• Three Rhapsodies ......... Saint-Saens
• Etude in D Flat ............. Robert Schumann
• The Musical Clocks ........ Hadyn/Biggs
• Fountain Reverie ........... Percy Fletcher (memorized, as it's out of print)
• Angelus ....................... Francis Snow (uses chimes)
• Berceuse ..................... Louis Vierne (I like all of Vierne's organ works)
• The Lost Chord ............. Sir Arthur Sullivan (always pleases the older crowd)

[rovikered]

Hi QFE,

You are probably familiar with Percy Whitlock's output and may already have played his 'Fanfare' which makes either an excellent opening or closing piece.
Have you come across the music of Alfred Hollins ? One of his delightful pieces is 'A Trumpet Minuet' which I have played in concert and as a closing organ voluntary after a service. (Also suitable as an exit at a Wedding Service).
A piece you may not know is 'Tuba Tune' (NOT the one by C.S. Lang which you WILL know) but the one by Reginald Porter-Brown a famous cinema organist/composer of the past. I think this is a splendid piece. When I first heard it I was impelled to buy the score and learn it, and I've played that in concert and after a service.
Amongst organ transcriptions,you will almost certainly know (and have probably already included) Mendelssohn's 'War March of the Priests' and Elgar's 'Imperial March'.
The 'Four Sketches' Op. 58 by Schumann( a composer not usually associated with organ music) are also attractive, especially No. 4.
I'm sure I shall think of more, but for now I hope these include one or two useful suggestions.
Best wishes.
rk

[QFE]

Wow! some excellent suggestions.

rovikered, strangely, Whitlock had not entered my thoughts...doh! the 'War march of the priests' is one that i've heard before and would fit the bill admirably: a high 'cheese' factor, but a real tub-thumper!

krumhorn, the idea of doing some Joplin has crossed my mind, i do the odd arrangement of my own (when time allows). Could be a good project for the summer holidays.

jhnbrbr, i've done a couple of Lefebure Wely's best known; for such an underrated composer, they always go down a treat. The Albioni is a distinct possibility in a serious section of a programme.

dll927, twelfth street rag... actually, that could work. Another piece that surely every man and his dog has heard as some point!!

Thanks for all your suggestions; i'll let you know how how they go down.

QFE