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Easter Voluntary

JONESEY

New member
Looking for inspiration - what are my colleagues here on the forum playing for a Voluntary on Easter Day?
I'm drawing a blank so far - nothing in my normal Easter book is jumping out, so once again I turn to you all.
Preferably something that is available in the public forum, and something that won't kill me learning it :)

Thanks!
 

wljmrbill

Member
When I was regularly playing I always used selections from the Messiah ( as many are suitable for prelude, or services areas ) Most of the time used the "Hallelujah Chorus" as postlude ( always enjoyed hearing members from congregation singing along and many stayed an sing/listened until finished ) then go to a toccata of some sort to finish up.
 

Nikam

New member
Looking for inspiration - what are my colleagues here on the forum playing for a Voluntary on Easter Day?
I'm drawing a blank so far - nothing in my normal Easter book is jumping out, so once again I turn to you all.
Preferably something that is available in the public forum, and something that won't kill me learning it :)

Thanks!

Hi Jonesey,

Not free, but have a look at the Oxford book of 'Lent and Easter Organ Music' (ISBN 978-0-19-338623-5) which includes Healey Willan's 'Chorale Prelude on a melody by Melchior Vulpius'.
 

pcnd5584

New member
Looking for inspiration - what are my colleagues here on the forum playing for a Voluntary on Easter Day?
I'm drawing a blank so far - nothing in my normal Easter book is jumping out, so once again I turn to you all.
Preferably something that is available in the public forum, and something that won't kill me learning it :)

Thanks!

Could you give a more precise idea of difficulty level, please? Otherwise we could be talking round the houses, here.

Personally speaking, I steer clear of Messiah (I happen not to like it). There is plenty of organ repertoire which is suitable. However, before suggesting something, it would beb helpful to get an idea of an approximate standard you would like - and roughly how much time you have available, in order to practise.

 

Krummhorn

Administrator
Staff member
ADMINISTRATOR
I have done the Toccata from Sym No5 (Widor) for many years as the opening voluntary on Easter.

There are other organ works by Paul Manz that are easily learned and will be enjoyed by most people.
 

Nikam

New member
As far as I know, music by Paul Manz is not available in UK; it has to be ordered from US (I have his 'Aria' on order at present) and shipping is not exactly speedy. :cry:
 

Albert

New member
Could you give a more precise idea of difficulty level, please? Otherwise we could be talking round the houses, here.

Personally speaking, I steer clear of Messiah (I happen not to like it). There is plenty of organ repertoire which is suitable. However, before suggesting something, it would beb helpful to get an idea of an approximate standard you would like - and roughly how much time you have available, in order to practise.

It is moderate in difficulty. Even I can play it. It is a catchy tune, and well written.
 

Krummhorn

Administrator
Staff member
ADMINISTRATOR
As far as I know, music by Paul Manz is not available in UK; it has to be ordered from US (I have his 'Aria' on order at present) and shipping is not exactly speedy. :cry:

Bummers indeed ...

I encountered much the same when seeking out the Organ Score for Messiah (Hutton/Robinson version) and had to order it from the UK - took about 7 weeks to arrive.

There is free (public domain) music by Peter Lutkin ... one is a collection for seasonal use. The selection for Easter is an interesting piece with key changes and a fuge at the end.

There is another by Alec Rowley in this collection .. it's the last one, #5.
 

pcnd5584

New member
It is moderate in difficulty. Even I can play it. It is a catchy tune, and well written.

No - I was referring to the approximate level of difficulty which the board member 'Jonesey' would consider for a voluntary.

I should have thought that this was fairly clear from my previous post....
 
Last edited:

Albert

New member
No - I was referring to the approximate level of difficulty which the board member 'Jonesey' would consider for a voluntary.

I should have thought that this was fairly clear from my previous post....
Now that I read it while I am awake, it was. Sorry.
 

Padster

New member
An organ arrangement of The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition. One of our parishioners is a fan of Musorgsky and requested the Great Gate after hearing me play Promenade a few weeks ago. It suits the organ well, and has a feel of triumph after struggle.

Best wishes,
Padster
 
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