List of all bach compositions full#
List of all bach compositions series#

1 is also well known for its reception two days after it first premiered in 1901 - it is the only piece in history of the London Promenade Concert in the Queen's Hall, London, to be played for a second encore. Known in the USA as the 'Graduation March' as it's the most common processional tune at high school and graduation ceremonies, Pomp and Circumstance March No. Princess Edmond de Polignac originally commissioned the piece to be written as an easy organ piece for her to be able to play herself with a chamber orchestra accompaniment - however, Poulenc quickly dismissed this idea for something a lot more complicated and ambitious.Įdward Elgar - Land of Hope and Glory Pomp and Circumstance Military March No. Poulenc’s Organ Concerto is one of the most frequently performed pieces of original organ music not written in the Baroque period. Poulenc - Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings in G minor It has since been performed at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 as well as the recessional piece to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Premiered at the coronation of King George VI in 1937, unsurprisingly this grand piece has stood the test of time as Walton’s most popular composition. William Walton - Crown Imperial March (arranged for organ by Herbert Murrill) The peaceful opening movements develop into a monumental work, and you can hear that Messiaen sought to capture 'the emotion and sincerity first' from his inspirations, as written in the preface of the work. Inspired by the Christian faith, La Nativité du Seigneur is divided into nine 'meditations' to represent the birth of Jesus. Oliver Messiaen - La Nativité du Seigneur However, there is no doubt that the opening descending flourishes, followed by the building diminished seventh chord, which finally resolves to a D major chord, is one of the best known passages in classical music. Johann Sebastian Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minorĬonsidered to be the most famous work in the organ repertoire, it's no surprise there have been several varying analyses of this piece. Even after listening to the first minute, you can see (and hear) why this is Widor’s most famous piece.

Who said organ music had to be dark and menacing? This is the jolliest of organ pieces and will have you toe-tapping in no time. Even after the orchestra plays a little friendly passage, BAM: the organ is back again, interrupting as if it’s saying “don’t forget about me, I’m the star of the show!”Ĭharles-Marie Widor - Symphony for Organ No. Phwoar! Of all powerful entrances, this is truly the one. Just take a moment to appreciate that opening chord.

List of all bach compositions series#

We reckon there's an absolute gem from the era, from JS Bach's predecessor at St Thomas' Church Leipzig. Johann Kuhnau wrote a series of musical depictions of bible stories for the organ, and they're just fascinating and charming.Ĭamille Saint Saens - Symphony No.

List of all bach compositions full#

Let's head back to the Baroque and an era full of richly inventive organ works from the likes of Bach, Buxtehude, Bruhns and many more. If you're after something that *sounds* like a towering cathedral, Franck's chorales are for you. They are absolute masterpieces of the organ repertoire and have all the richness, drama and contrast you could hope for.