Adagios for Organ (Dover Music for Organ)

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Although the cover photo shows it, it wasn't clear that this volume was edited by Smith rather than being his compositions. It contains 43 pieces by 40 composers, composed from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Since my stroke, my left side is weak. These arrangements are NOT simplified; most are printed on three staffs. But the slower tempi makes them easier to play. There are short comments on each piece, which helps in their interpretation.Eminently suitable for whenever you need something like the Handel "Largo", the Albinoni "Adagio", or the Saint-Saens "Adagio from Symphony #3".

I have acquired great respect for this author (a Professor at the famous Eastman Conservatory in Rochester, NY), having read with great pleasure his book, Louis Vierne - Organist of Notre Dame. (It is one of a series of biographies of great organists and composers.)This is a book in standard organist's notation featuring slow Adagio/Largo works although some are moderate to difficult to play for various reasons. This is partly because many are organ transcriptions from orchestral arrangements, choral works, piano or other instruments. I have never been comfortable with such transcriptions, though these are better than many. I did find most if not all were enjoyable to noodle at for fun.My only important quibble may be with the printer/publisher, though the editor should have caught it. In the piece "In Summer" by Stebbins pp. 102-105, pages 103 and 104 are in reverse order on a page turn making it very awkward. I first played this piece over 40 years ago from an anthology by Baird (still in my library) which is printed correctly so I knew this version was really messed up when I turned the page. No one is perfect, but it devalued the book for me although it was relatively inexpensive as music goes these days.

Most of the works contained in this valuable collection are sight-readable by an organist with training. The composers represented are well known for the most part, although there is a healthy selection of composers who are new to me. With the exception of three or four, I've never seen the pieces duplicated elsewhere. Happily, the volume is sewn in such a way that it lies flat when opened. Mr. Smith has done a fine job of researching, collecting, editing, and sometimes arranging works for this anthology. It's one you will want to add to your library. And you can't beat the price!

Received this book a few weeks ago and am enjoying exploring it, and discovering several hidden treasures, such as Bach's Hark! A Voice Saith All Are Mortal and Marcel Dupre's Antiphon III (I Am Black, But Comely , O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem.) My exploration continues.

I love it!!

Thanks to Amazon for recommending this collection. As a busy church musician, I do not have much time to search through listings of organ music to find practical resources. "Adagios for Organ" contains many standard pieces, such as the Largo from Handel's "Xerses." It also includes pieces which I had not encountered before. The level of difficulty varies considerably, but most can be ready for service use with a minimum of rehearsal time. The book also has a sewn binding which means that it is likely to last much longer. I also like the way the scores look on the page -- easy on the eyes and easy to read.

Buona varietà di pezzi, non particolarmente entusiasmanti.

An excellent collection of organ music

Très pratique et on y trouve les plus belles choses. A conseiller pour ceux qui cherchent des idées. A vous de jouer!

Da sind nette Stücke dabei, die man gut gebrauchen kann. Ungefähr ein Drittel der Noten aber sind so sauschwer, dass ich das nie im Leben umsetzen kann. Schade.