2 organ composition suggestions wanted

[Guest]

Hi folk. While our sanctuary and organ are undergoing renewal, I've beenplaying my 2m Galanti organ in our temporary worship space. It occured to me [I], once we're back in the sanctuary (late November), thatI should take advantage of the situation and move it to the sanctuary for an "organ duel" since it's already 'on campus'. I'd place it on the opposite end of the sanctuary andprogram some 2 organ compositions. I've another organist interested, so now all I need are the pieces. BTW, I know the Galanti won't compare in sound to our pipes, but know it could carry the 2nd organ part, like a smaller echo organ. It's principals and flutes really are pretty good, and will be even better in the live acoustics of the renewed room. It also has a 'tuner' knob so I can match pitch with the pipe organ.So... suggest away! [:)]

[Guest]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted

Arnatt's "Fanfare"? Or maybe fugue by Bach?

[soubasse32]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



Some of the most wonderful two-organ writing to be found: the Messe Solennelle of Louis Vierne (which is for two organs and choir). It is one of my favorite choralworks to accompany!</P>


The mass is in five movements, lasting nearly 30 minutes. The most famous and impressive part is the fiery Kyrie - ever popular with organists, choristers, and audience. </P>


The work was conceived with the idea that the choir is up front, accompanied by a smaller instrument. This organist typically doubles the choir parts and 'helps' the choir. This part is not too terribly difficult, although being typical Vierne it is filled with accidentals.</P>


The "grand-orgue" part is more soloistic and was written to show off the larger instrument at the back of the church. It typically plays tutti in contrast to the other parts.</P>


If the logistics of your church don't quite match what Vierne had in mind, you might need to be a bit creative [:)] - I've had to do this on several occasions, but the music is worth the effort.</P>


The music can be had for free here: Messe Solennelle, Op.16</P>


My favorite recording is with Michel Bouvard on the spectacular instrument at St-Sernin in Toulouse - this is one of my most treasured CDs. You can find this wonderful recording via Google, some sites have audio clips. This albumalso contains solo organ works, including an inspired interpretation of Widor's Symphonie Romane played on the organ Widor had in mind when composing the piece.</P>


There is a YouTube video of the JAV recording of this work, recorded at St-Sulpice; here are some fascinating video excerpts of the mass: JAV selections on YouTube.</P>


Widor also wrote for two organs and choir - you may also want to investigate his compositions.</P>

[Guest]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



How about incorporating a transcription/arrangement for two organs? Perhaps something as simple as a hymn or you could really push the boat out and put together a transcription from an orchestral piece.</p>

Recently, I have found two piano arrangements of The Poem or Extacy by Scriabin and the Pines of the Appian Way from the Pines of Rome by Resphigi.  I would love to hear them arranged for two organs.</p>

[Havoc]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted

I do have a cd at home somewhere with music for 2 organs, see if I can find it back.

EDIT: Cannot find it back, but this page with cd's should give you some clues as what is around: http://www.ohscatalog.org/orduetrec.html

[soubasse32]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



Antonio Soler wrote six Concerti for two organs.</P>


There is a wonderful recording of <SPAN id=btAsinTitle>Maurice &amp; Marie-Madeleine Chevalier Duruflé playing Handel'sOrgan Concerto in A major, Op.7/2, HWV 307 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I believe they might have made their own arrangement, but it shouldn't be too hard to make your own.</SPAN></P>


<SPAN>Jean Langlais works for two organs:</SPAN></P>
<UL>
<LI><SPAN>Trois Esquisses Romanes (for one or two organs)</SPAN></LI>
<LI><SPAN>Trois Esquisses Gothiques (for one or two organs)</SPAN></LI>
<LI><SPAN>Mosaïque 3: Parfum – Lumière – Printemps – Thèmes – Pax – 2<SUP>ème</SUP> Fantaisie pour deux organistes (I'm not sure if this is for two organs or two organists...)</SPAN></LI>[/list]

[alsmith]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted

You didn'tstate whetherthere's a particular style of music you're looking for, but the first 2 movements (and possibly the 3rd also) from Boellman's Suite Gothique naturally lend themselves to the "smaller echo organ" effect you mentioned.

[Austin766]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



Well, it's too bad your space won't be ready by October 19th, you are planning to do something for that aren't you? I'm surprised it hasn't been suggested yet, but Gigout's Grand Choeur Dialogue might be a good one, I know it is written for one organ,but if you agree upon who's playing the statements and who's playing the echoes, you should be just fine, and if you look at the score on IMSLP, you'll find it's sort of broken up "ch.1" and "ch. 2" so if you can agree upon who will be one and who will be two, you'd be fine.

You might also consider doing something like Bach's Wachet Auf (I knew Bach would get in there somehow), where the organist on the electronic plays the accompanimental theme, and the other organist (the one on the Parkey-Holtkamp) plays the cantus firmus melody in the reed(s). I think that might be the best arrangement Wachet Auf. </P>


You could also try doing sections of a Widor Mass, I know that some of them call for two organs, (I think they also call for two choirs[^o)]) Guilmant's Grand Choeur Triomphale might be interesting to try for two organs.</P>

[Guest]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking definately something Soler, and already have a couple of other early English pieces to consider, as well as a Handel piece. Really anything that has an "echo" section will work. Since this is an organ only event, choirs are out for now. The 20th century works are where I needed help, so your suggestions are appreciated. As forthe 19th, not sure what you're refering to. Reformation Sunday's the 26th. Due to space limitations we're only going to have solo trumpet along with the combined choir (60 folk).In some ways that will be good, as we tend to go overboard on Reformation Sunday anyway.We'll save the brass quintet, handbellsand timpani for rededication services, now scheduled for November 24. Permits, contractor schedules, fixture ordering lead times and adequate time for organ installation all have caused everything to be delayed. However, good things come to those who wait!!! :)</P>
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[davidecasteel]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted



I was going to suggest Soler, but I see SB32 has beat me to it. Wouldn't there be something of Gabrieli that would work? He wrote a lot of multi-element music for antiphonal performance at St. Mark's. I know for the recording "The Glory of Gabrieli" many years ago there was a portative moved in to provide the second organ.</P>


David</P>

[Austin766]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted

Well, September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, but October 19 is International Organ Spectacular day (as designated by the AGO).

[Guest]

Re: 2 organ composition suggestions wanted

Arrr matey, I'd forgotten that! [:$] I'm not going to do much since I'm just on the 2 manual digital organ, but may pull out a Bach piece for prelude, and maybe some toccat for postlude. Haven't seen service plans yet, and that always influences what I play. Are you doing anything? Maybe I'll start a thread....