Sonata, Second Movement (Op 47)

This amazing second movement follows theme and (7) variations form. The "price of entry" is battling the key signature of F-sharp major! Bringing lots of double sharps along the way. After a simple, yet beautiful, theme is stated, Lang embarks on a series of variations that not only explore very different styles of composition, but the full resources of the English cathedral organ. We begin with a solo string stop, and crescendo towards full organ including the Tuba coupled through!

I first heard this incredible work played by David Leigh during this online recital from St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland : https://youtu.be/3M5yDl8VvcM - I can also recommend Paul Swinden who is also attacking this mammoth sonata! https://youtu.be/L1FYchnZC4c

Craig Sellar Lang (13 May 1891 – 24 Nov 1971) was born in New Zealand and was a student of Walter Parratt and Charles Villiers Stanford. He received his Doctorate of Music from The University of Durham. In 1929 he was appointed Director of Music at Christ's Hospital school in Horsham, West Sussex. His instructional works, aimed at students, were highly influential and generations of organists were brought up on these.

Published by Novello in 1947, the Opus 47 Sonata is a lengthy but worthy contribution to the organ literature. In it, Lang showcases his compositional ability through a variety of styles, souding ever fresh yet characteristically English.

Score: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/lang-sonata-in-d-minor-organ-sheet-music/21254192