Phantasie nach Worten der heiligen Schrift (Four Fantasies on Verses from the Psalms), parts I & II

(I had intended to upload this as one complete movement, but the file is too large, and so I've split it into two uploads.

Fortunately, the third and fourth sections, to be uploaded tomorrow, are intended to be heard as a continuous movement.)
Hans Huber (28 June 1852 – 25 December 1921) was the most important Swiss composer of the later-half of the 19th century.

He was born in Eppenberg-Wöschnau (Canton of Solothurn). The son of an amateur musician, Huber became a chorister and showed an early talent for the piano. In 1870, he entered Leipzig Conservatory, where his teachers included Oscar Paul. In 1877, he returned to Basel to teach, but did not obtain a post in the Conservatory there until 1889; seven years later, he became director.

Huber composed eight symphonies, operas, oratorios, and several concertos, two for violin and four for piano. During his last years, he lived in Minusio in Villa Ginia. He died at Locarno.

"Phantasie nach Worten der heiligen Schrift" (Fantasies on verses from the Psalms) was published in 1882, and is dedicated to Gustav Weber (1845-1887). I don't know if this is Huber's only organ work, but it is the only one I've seen.

It is a large scale symphonic piece which depicts various moods and verses from the Psalms. It is a long work, perhaps too long, as it does go on and on in spots, but there is a great deal of color and energy to be sure. While the writing is genuinely organistic in much of it, there are sections that are decidely pianistic, or perhaps even orchestrally conceived in the way the composer has written.

I chose the Hereford Willis intending to "orchestrate" the work, but at times, that turned out to be more easily said then done. I will leave it for the listener to judge my degree of success.

The score (2 versions) is attached below, as well as a photo of Hans Huber and one of the dedicatee, Gustav Weber.

Individual timings and much more extensive notes appear in the First Comment.

Peace to All!