Music downloads of the 1911 Walker organ

the organ the organ console

The following mp3 files of an improvisation by our regular organist, Simon FitzGerald, demonstrate some of the sounds of our wonderful 1911 Walker organ.

Suite in five movements. [14'04", 5.78MB]
The Suite is inspired by the magnificent "l'Orgue Mystique" by the French organist and composer Charles Tournemire. Tournemire intended his magnum opus to be used throughout the year during Sunday services, and it is composed of 51 five movement suites, each intended for a specific Sunday or feast day. They invariably explore the quieter timbres of the organ, only breaking into more spirited writing for the final postlude. Each movement is based on plainsong specifically set for the day in question.

This improvised suite follows the same format, but the "plainsong" fragments are all improvised, and don't actually relate to specific chants (with the exception of snippets of the Te Deum in the final Postlude). The first four movements (Introit, Offertoire, Elevation and Communion) are short and restrained in nature, but the final Postlude comes alive with brilliant figurations featuring the reeds and mixtures of the organ.

The individual movements can be downloaded separately below.

Introit [1'43", 712kB]
A plainsong fragment is heard in the pedals, alternating with delicate filigree motifs played on the Swell Stopped Diapason (with Octave coupler). A brief coda is played on the Swell Stopped Diapason and Echo Gamba.
Offertoire [2'06", 870kB]
The Swell fonds are coupled to the 8' and 4' flutes on the Great, underpinned by the 16' and 8' flutes on the Pedal. The plainsong motif is heard primarily in the treble. The Swell Mixture is added for a brief descending passage in the right hand, before the initial registration is resumed. The conclusion of this movement is heard on the Open and Stopped Diapasons of the Swell.
Elevation [1'28", 605kB]
The Elevation commences with a duet between the Great Harmonic Flute 4' (played down an octave) and the Swell Horn (with box partially closed). The Swell strings (Echo Gamba and Voix Céleste) bring the movement to a hushed close, with an insistent pedal note (on Flute 8' only).
Communion [2'35", 1,063kB]
The Great Wald Flute 8' carries a weaving melody, accompanied on the Swell fonds. A brief echo passage is played on the Swell, followed by interplay between the Great flute, Swell Oboe 8' and Pedal flutes. The solo Wald Flute reappears again, with a repeated motif in the Pedals. The movement concludes on the quiet Swell Stopped Diapason.
Postlude [6'08", 2,525kB]
The Postlude begins with harmonic ambiguity, on a mezzo-forte registration (Great flutes and Swell fonds). Brief snatches of the Te Deum are heard in the Pedal. The energy gently increases, with the addition of the Swell Mixture, and then the Horn. The Great diapasons and Trumpet 8' are added for a fanfare alleluiatique. The volume decreases slightly, and the Te Deum reappears in the Pedal. A cataclysmic climax is reached (full organ, double pedalling), before a progression of small chords bring a decrease in volume. A held pedal note supports a restrained coda on the Swell Open Diapason, which concludes with a downward spread chord on the Swell strings.