Unlike the vast majority of classical music for organ — which requires both manual and pedal dexterity — this unique collection of 33 works is devoted solely to organ music originally written on two staves and intended for manuals alone. Some was conceived for the 19th-century free-reed instrument, for the harmonium or reed organ, for performance in the home, as well as for organists of small churches who may not have had sufficient technique to perform with their feet as well as their hands.
This unique volume consists almost exclusively of rare, out-of-print editions selected from the private library of author-performer Rollin Smith. Contents include Berlioz's Rustic Serenade to the Madonna, Saint-Saëns' Barcarolle and Prayer, Three Musical Sketches by Bizet, Liszt's The Shepherds at the Manger: In dulci jubilo, plus organ classics by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Franck, Reger, and other great composers, including movements from organ sonatas by Mendelssohn and Widor's Third Symphony for Organ and Orchestra, and the complete Third Sonata by Guilmant. This very special compilation is certain to delight performers at every level of ability.