Toccata on "Mendelssohn"

This video marks the posting of my 125th organ recording on YouTube. I have been so honored to have received to date a combined total of over 550,000 views. I have always selected pieces to which I have a strong attraction. In addition to complete organ symphonies and other well known compositions found on many concert programs, I have delighted in learning and performing seldom heard, concert level, organ works which deserve more recognition, including pieces by the following: Paul Ayres, Gerald Bales, Denis Bédard, Jean Berveiller, Stephen Best, Charles Callahan, David DeBoor Canfield, Pierre Cochereau, Angela Kraft Cross, Margaretha Christina de Jong, André Fleury, Jean Français, Daniel Gawthrop, Jean-Jacques Grunenwald, Gerald Hendrie, Olivier Latry, Gaston Litaize, Lazare Auguste Maquaire, Henry Martin, Gerald Near, Pēteris Vasks, and Andreas Willscher.

In all cases I have tried to match the composition with the sounds of the instrument available to me which can best bring the work to life.

For Craig Phillips’ “Toccata on ‘Mendelssohn,’” (based on the well known Christmas carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”) which has incredible rhythmic drive, I chose the beautiful, crisp and clear sounds of the Manuel Rosales instrument in Trinity Cathedral, Portland, Oregon. A small amount of convolution reverb has been added for additional warmth.

To learn about Craig Phillips visit his website https://craigphillipscomposer.com/about/. This work can be found in a volume of organ works dedicated to the organist Carolyn Hamlin called “Worship Hymns for Organ – The Golden Jubilee Collection,” published by Fred Bock Music Company, distributed by Hal Leonard Music.