Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue

Healey Willan composed his Intruduction, Passacaglia and Fugue after hearing Reger's monumental E minor work of the same name, and being challenged to prove that one didn't have to be German to compose such a piece.

In that he was certainly successful and in the process created arguably a more attractive piece. It might be said that if at the end of the Healey Willan version the organist heaves a sigh of relief, then at the end of the Reger original everybody present heaves a sigh of relief! Willan's contribution has a more concise and less austere quality which makes it a great recital piece for a varied audience.

This has to be amongst the most noteworthy large scale organ works, so it's surprising it's last outing in the concert hall seems to be 8 years ago! It's a favourite of mine and really gets round the Peterborough organ.