[Classical] Exquisite Tones: Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for Pipe Organ

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Among the many musical instruments, the pipe organ is known as the “king of instruments,” with a history so ancient that its origins are said to trace back to the panpipes of Greek mythology.

Even today, it stands with a commanding presence in churches and concert halls.

The resonance of the pipe organ’s tone is both sacred and majestic.

It features manuals for the hands and a pedalboard for the feet, and by combining a variety of stops, it can produce a powerful, orchestra-like sound.

This time, we present a selection of classical masterpieces that put the pipe organ center stage!

[Classical] Exquisite tones: Masterpieces and popular pieces for pipe organ (31–40)

12 Pieces, Op. 59: VI. Fugue in D MajorMax Reger

Max Reger – Fugue in D Major, Op. 59

12 Pieces, Op. 59: VI. Fugue in D MajorMax Reger

Max Reger was a German musician active in the 20th century who gained particular renown for his organ works.

Reger was known for his hearty personality, indulging in heavy smoking and drinking, and he left behind numerous anecdotes and amusing tales.

Owing to his nearly two-meter height and weight of over 100 kilograms, he was also called “Germany’s largest musician.” This fugue combines complex counterpoint in the manner of Bach with Classical-era forms found in Beethoven and Brahms, along with the expanded harmonies of Liszt and Wagner, resulting in a work of considerable richness and depth.

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L’Ascension: III. Transports de joie d’une ame devant la gloire du Christ qui est la sienneOlivier Messiaen

Olivier Latry Plays Messiaen, l’Ascension III-IV

L'Ascension: III. Transports de joie d'une ame devant la gloire du Christ qui est la sienneOlivier Messiaen

Watch “L’Ascension: III. Transports de joie d’une âme devant la gloire du Christ qui est la sienne” by Olivier Messiaen on YouTube

Messiaen, a master of contemporary music.

He strove to give Catholicism a modern form of expression, developing his own techniques and systems, and was honored with the inaugural Kyoto Prize for his achievements.

This piece is among his most famous works and bears the subtitle “Four Symphonic Meditations.” It consists of four movements; the third movement, “Alleluia on the Trumpet and Cymbal,” depicts the trumpet and cymbal resounding at a fast tempo.

The fourth movement, “The Prayer of Christ to Return to the Father,” by contrast, is striking for its profoundly expressive, solemn melody at an extremely slow tempo.

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In conclusion

The pipe organ alone has a way of making you feel solemn just by listening.

As you might expect, there are many works by J.S.

Bach, who was also known as a “master organist,” but I hope you also felt the abundant appeal of pieces by other composers.

The pipe organ is an instrument best experienced with the resonance of the actual space.

If you get the chance, please go hear a live performance.