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    Casavant, Opus 3246 (1975) at Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign, Illinois -
    Samples by Brett Milan
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Dorian Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538Download
    Although unfortunately rivaled in popularity by BWV 565, the Dorian Prelude is a wonderful energetic piece requiring three equally balanced divisions, and the fugue is one of Bach's most thrilling works, well worth the time it takes to listen to. [13:58] HW1
    Brahms, Johannes: O Gott, du frommer GottDownload View Lyrics
    The chorale is sounded as part of the soprano voice, but the Phantom Organist has doubled it on the 4' Chorale Bass with or without 4' Regal. The ending consists of short phrases that build to a grand climax for such a short piece. [3:53] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Trio Sonata No. 4, BWV 528Download
    The invocatory Adagio is unique among the 6 Trio Sonatas, making the movements 4 in number. It quickly gives way to a bright Vivace, with two main themes. The first theme of the Andante is based on melodic intervals of a fourth; the second theme includes progressive intervals of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and sometimes 6th; the two themes are combined at the end of this movement. The sassy Un poco Allegro theme also begins with a fourth. Given Bach's preoccupations with numerology, I wonder if all these 4's are coincidental. [9:2] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: O Lamm Gottes, BWV 656Download View Lyrics
    The innocent sounding beginning leads to a rhythmically powerful third verse and culminates in a glorious chromatic ending. The words of this chorale are based on the Agnus Dei. [8:24] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Vom Himmel Hoch, BWV 738Download View Lyrics
    The last in the series of Chorale Harmonizations, this bell-like, almost jazzy little setting of the German Christmas hymn uses compound 12/8-4/4 rhythms, packing a lot of variety into 15 measures. [1:23] HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Veni Creator, en taille, à 5Download View Lyrics
    The first of 4 verses, the chorale appears in the pedal on 8+4 reeds. The other 4 voices are played using a subtle form of notes inégales that the Phantom Organist studied as a youth, but modern scholarship may have a different interpretation. [2:0] Midi file available. HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 610Download View Lyrics
    This Prelude is dominated by a motive in the bass which is a modified version of what Schweitzer calls the "Beatific Peace Motive." The composition is filled with an intimate charm and stateliness, but can also be played with triumphalist grandeur. Impulse reverberation added. [1:49] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 735Download View Lyrics
    Fantasia on the German funeral tune which is often used in American churches with the words "All Glory, Laud and Honor" for Palm Sunday processions, for full organ and pedal. [2:58] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: O Jesu, wie ist dein Gestalt, BWV 1094Download View Lyrics
    A sweet setting for one manual of a little-known chorale. From the Neumeister Chorale Collection. [2:13] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665Download View Lyrics
    A chromatic and impassioned setting of this Communion hymn. In contrast to the gentle setting in BWV 666, Bach lets out all the stops describing the torments sufffered by Christ. [4:5] HW1
    Brahms, Johannes: Herzlich tut mich verlangen (I)Download View Lyrics
    In this first setting of the Passion chorale, Brahms places the melody in the soprano voice, decorated with passing tones, The interval of a rising second and a rhythm that emphasizes the 2nd and 4th (weaker) beats play a major part in the pedal part. [1:40] HW1
    Brahms, Johannes: Herzlich tut mich verlangen (II)Download View Lyrics
    A restless accompaniment in the manuals adds urgency to the passion chorale as sounded in the pedal. [2:8] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 688Download View Lyrics
    Part of the German Organ Mass, this setting has a jazzy wedge-like motiv that moves between keyboards, with the chorale sounded slowly in the pedal. [4:10] Midi file available. HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659Download View Lyrics
    A voluptuous setting of Martin Luther's Advent Chorale, "Saviour of the Gentiles, Come." This version expresses a palpable yearning for a long awaited redemption. [4:5] HW1