Seek suggestions for mid-classic organ & orchestra


I love the organ portions of St. Saens 3rd, but there's too little of it (especially since its called the "Organ Symphony"). I'd appreciate suggestions for similar, rousing, spirited orchestral works with organ like the St. Saens or Liszt's "Battle of the Huns". I'm looking for melodic thunderous plaster-cracking stuff...I'm not into baroque organ work. Suggestions will be appreciated.
dwpc

Showing 1 response by t_bone

For plaster-cracking, window-rattling, shake-the-fleas-off-the-dog ORGAN music, I cannot think of anything better than Max Reger's 'Introduction, Passacaglia, and Fugue' - perfect for subwoofer-testing and a great example of early 20th century organ music. Widor's Symphony 5 and Symphony 8 are also wonderful examples.

For combined organ/orchestra works, I second the Holst Planets suggestion (good brass, especially in 'Saturn'). My favorite version is the late '60s London/Decca recording of Zubin Mehta with the L.A. (one issue is a 2-desk set which also includes Also Sprach Zarathustra). Copland's 'Organ Symphony' is also a wonderful piece of music though I have not heard it enough to recommend a specific recording. Perhaps other 'goners could advise?