Mons Leidvin Takle, born in 1942, is a Norwegian organist, pianist, and composer who studied in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Chicago, and New York. He currently lives in Stavanger, Norway. His jazz-inspired Blues Toccata is characterized by virtuosic sixteenth-note runs in the right hand and rhythmic chord accompaniment in the left hand and pedal. The right hand alternates between major and minor keys. The piece develops dynamically and concludes with striking dominant seventh chords in F major and G major.
"Siyahamba," subtitled "We are marching in the light of God," is based on a South African freedom song. It is the first piece in John A. Behnke's "Three Global Songs." Syncopated chords mark the beginning of the first verse. An interlude leads to another energetic presentation of the theme, accompanied by the pedal part and a festive trumpet register. Particularly striking is the sudden shift to A major in the second interlude, before the final verse concludes in a majestic sound.
Henri Mulet, organist of the Parisian church of St. Roch, is one of the enigmatic figures of French organ music. His cycle "Esquisses Byzantines" ends with "Tu es petra et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus te," a characteristic French organ toccata full of shimmering manual figures and dark motifs in the pedal. Here, the work offers a captivating organ finale.
John Rutter, a renowned composer, is not only known for his Christmas carols but also composed organ works such as "Toccata in Seven" and "Variations on an Easter Theme." His compositions are characterized by stylistic diversity and inventive harmonies.
David N. Johnson's "Trumpet Tune in G" is an imposing organ composition featuring trumpet sounds, inspired by Baroque festive music and composed by a 20th-century composer.
Maurice Duruflé, a Parisian organist, explored new tonal and harmonic paths in his Toccata, combining brilliance with a mysterious beauty.
Joseph Bonnet's "Matin Provençal" transports the listener to an idyllic landscape brought to life by poetic sounds. The piece concludes with a toccata that musically depicts a Provençal morning.
Iain Farrington's "Celebration" is an energetic, toccata-like composition, while "Stride Dance" stands out for its mysterious and intense atmosphere. Both pieces are part of the seven-movement organ suite "Fiesta!".
Joseph Bonnet's "Matin Provençal" transports the listener to an idyllic landscape brought to life by poetic sounds. The piece concludes with a toccata that musically portrays a Provençal morning.
Iain Farrington's "Celebration" is an energetic, toccata-like composition, while "Stride Dance" is distinguished by its mysterious and intense mood. Both pieces belong to the seven-movement organ suite "Fiesta!". ...
With Franz Liszt's Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam," organ music reached a new heroic dimension. This monumental work is considered a milestone in organ composition and is regarded as an act of self-liberation for the organist.