A Few of Our Favorite …Organ Collections
Compiled by Eric Dundore To create this list, I contacted all our UCCMA members who had listed "organist" in their job duties about the collection of pieces they use most often and would recommend. Many thanks to those who responded to benefit anyone reading this issue. Our organist colleagues have shared these with us with no seasonal or specific use in mind. St. Augustine's Organbook: 10 Preludes on Gregorian Chant Melodies Gerald Near — Fran Morton, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Ramsey, NJ A Wedding Music Anthology Compiled/edited/arranged by David N. Johnson Augsburg Fortress Press This "Fiftieth Anniversary Edition" is compiled from the original 5-volume books from the '70s & '80s. This collection is useful in any worship or concert setting and has been on my organ rack for decades. Around 65 works also include 57 pages of instrumental parts at the back of the book for those pieces that could use an instrumentalist. The book is spiralbound and well worth the $42 (current price) to round out your music library. — Dr. Craig Scott Symons, First Congregational Church of Greenwich, CT Sunday Jubilation Jason Payne Lorenz Publishing Jason Payne has a beautiful arrangement of "Jesus Loves Me" that I make sure to use at least once a year. This composition captures the majesty and the playfulness of life with Christ. I love to play anything by Payne or John Dixon and Jess Perks. — Christine Deaner-Rogers, Pilgrim UCC, Fond du Lac, WI Gospel Prelude Collection Charles Callahan MorningStar Music Publishers Although I have not used every single piece included, I have used "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" most often. — Jane Eiker, Trinity UCC, Gettysburg, PA Vox Organi Edited by Dudley Buck Published by JB Millett, 1896. Four volumes hardbound I was lucky enough to be gifted by one of my predecessors who played this back in the 40s, and I still enjoy playing a lot of good old Victorian music. If you do a Google search, some copies are still out there. — John Parsons, First Congregational Church, UCC, Southington, CT. The Biggs Book of Organ Music Edited and Arranged by E. Power Biggs Jubilate Music Group While some regard him as more of a showman, there can be no doubt that one of the most influential organists in the 20th century was E. Power Biggs. The Biggs Book of Organ Music is an anthology of 24 gems I've referred to so many times in my career that I had to order a second copy to replace my worn-out volume! Most are well-known and accessible for organists with modest abilities, although a couple require more advanced skills. Some pieces apply to all church liturgical seasons, weddings, and funerals. At $14.99, it's also easy on the budget. — Jim Boratko, Frist Church, West Hartford, CT The Ultimate Organ Book Hal Hopson Hope Publishing Company This collection has 150 selections – all very useful and from all periods of history. Some keys are different but made lovely and not ruined. When I wore a younger man's clothes, I could play the Widor (especially the climax). This version has been altered slightly, and artistry prevails. This is an excellent collection-even for seasoned organists. – Peter Stickney, Newfield Congregational Church, Newfield, ME Toccata Brevis Daniel E. Gawthrop Sacred Music Press I don't have an anthology to recommend; however, there is one piece I find worth mentioning. It isn't as challenging as it sounds and is worthy of an Easter postlude or other festive occasion. You get a lot of "bang for your buck" in this one. – Karen Crosby, South Church Congregational, Centerville, MA Pageant for Pipes, 24 Festal Pieces for Organ Kevin Mayhew LTD, Suffolk, England #1400079 The Oxford Book of Ceremonial Music for Organ Oxford Press, #Ox261DP Fanfare for the Common Man and other Favourites for Organ arr. Richard Lloyd Kevin Mayhew LTD, Great Britain #1400483 Here are a few collections - I rarely do all pieces in these collections, and these music collections are old. I think there is value in these works, though. — Jo Deen Blaine Davis, The Congregational Church, New Canaan, CT The Essential Collection for The Church Organist and The Essential Collection for The Church Organist II Compiled and Edited by Jane Holstein Hope Publishing Company These have both been invaluable in selecting music to follow themes set forth for Sunday worship. Some pieces are based on familiar Hymns, others are original compositions, and there are pieces for general use and those noted for specific seasons of the church year, all broken down into suggested categories. The books contain 55 and 50 pieces, respectively. — Donna Murphy, West Parish of Barnstable, MA For All the Saints; Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 arr. by Robert A. Hobby Augsburg Fortress Each collection is a set of very tasteful familiar hymn arrangements for Funerals or general use. Moderately easy. I use all three volumes extensively. — Greg Chestnut, First Congregational UCC, Sarasota, FL ■ Ed. - For the Journal's Winter/Spring 2024 issue, we will ask for suggestions of Handbell or Hand Chime pieces for the Lenten and Easter seasons that you would highly recommend. Please send your suggestions to Eric Dundore, Editor, at ericdundore@outlook.com by October 30th. | Engage, Encourage and Be Intentional The Church's Music as Counter-Cultural Worship Music Beyond the Traditional/Contemporary Divide The Second Winner of the UCCMA Anthem Commission Why do We Celebrate Christ the King Sunday? Observing the Children's Sabbath - 50th Anniversary The Meaning of Dance Then and Now Tech Talk: A Primer on Microphones A Few of Our Favorite … Organ Collections MUSIC DOWNLOAD Come, O Come, Our Voices Raise Composed by Peter Niedmann CROSSES
The Cross of St. Peter is "a cross with the crossbeam placed near the foot, that is associated with Saint Peter because of the tradition that he was crucified head down." — Wikipedia
LOOKING BACK – 30 YRS.  The first 22 years of Worship, Music & Ministry in print. |
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Worship, Music & Ministry is a publication of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. and is issued three times a year. The journal is distributed to members of UCCMA as a benefit of membership. All correspondence concerning membership in UCCMA, changes of address and other inquiries should be addressed to the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, P.O. Box 370631, West Hartford, CT 06137. Information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association is available at www.uccma.org. Copyright © 2023 by the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. |
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