Throughout Craig Penfield's entire life as a composer, the roots of his style have always come from the French romantics. Steeped in this tradition from his earliest training (with Marcel Dupré's first American student), Penfield has long embodied a practical, contemporary manifestation of this beautiful period of the organ literature. The pieces in this volume are of course suitable for recital, though individual movements are also useful as service voluntaries. Of particular note is "Petite symphonie," a five movement organ symphony well within the capabilities of many players who might not have felt themselves able to play a work in this style.
A Symphony of Diversities I. Joyeux danse II. Chant d’amour Interlude 1e Interlude 2e III. Unison Etude IV. Oiseaux de la florêt (Birds of the Forest) V. Rhythmic Fantasy VI. Clair de lune Interlude 3e VII. Grande valse concertante I. Molto maestoso Concerto for Organ (The Guilmant) II. Andante sostenuto III. Allegro vivace Introduction, fugue, et finale heroïque Petite symphonie I. Prélude pontificale III. Scherzo IV. Choral V. Toccata jubilante II. Cantabile