Elgar Organ Sonata in G major op. 28, First Movement 'Allegro Maestoso'

Roger Sayer plays the first movement of Elgar's Organ Sonata in G major, op. 28.

While not one of the most prolific composers for the organ, Elgar’s 1895 Organ Sonata in G is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding and successful compositions for the instrument in this period. ‘…Demanding but rewarding to play, it is important in the English romantic organ repertory, and significant in Elgar’s output as his first quasi-symphonic piece’ . In The Cambridge Companion to the Organ, Andrew McCrea describes the piece as an example of an orchestral composer ‘looking inward’, rather than an organist ‘looking out’ . It easily rivals the vast symphonic works of the Parisian organ school of Franck, Widor and Vierne and, in many ways, can be considered typical of Elgar’s orchestral music at the time. It shares the same melodic and harmonic colours, the huge dynamic range of the orchestra, and displays varied moods and contrasting themes / . In it, the composer pushes the capabilities of the organ and the performer demonstrates the scale and dexterity of the orchestra in one instrument.

Recording engineer: J. Waterhouse
Sound: D. Hinitt
Video: R. Vinter

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