Christmas Toccata for Organ — Gareth Green

This dazzling concert piece by British composer Gareth Green was written for a special Christmas concert in Wakefield Cathedral in the late 1990s. The work contains obvious references to Bach’s Toccata in D minor and to Widor’s famous Toccata from his Fifth Organ Symphony, intertwined with quotations from several well-known Christmas Carols. It opens with a bold 'Adagio' introduction, then drives into Toccata writing of rhythmic Moderato brilliance—bristling figuration, quick manual changes, and athletic pedal lines. After the central climax, a brief 'Maestoso' Coda draws the volume and texture back, closing the piece quietly with noble poise.

Why you’ll love it:

Festive brilliance – A sparkling Toccata that captures the excitement of Christmas.

Contrasting architecture – Virtuosic drive to a quiet 'Maestoso' coda of dignified calm, including a gentle Christmas wish.

Famous echoes – Playfully references Bach’s Toccata in D minor, Widor’s Toccata, and traditional Carols.

Accessible engraving – 7 pages of music notation within a 12-page publication, clearly typeset with registration notes.

Advanced level – Suitable for organists around UK Grade 8+, requiring technical dexterity and stamina. Performance time is about 6–7 minutes.

About the composer:

Gareth Green (b. 1960) is a British composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he studied at Worcester College, Oxford, and the Royal College of Music in London, and holds the FLCM in Composition. He has served as Assistant Organist at Wakefield Cathedral and now combines composing with international work as a performer, examiner, and educator.

Publication details:

Christmas Toccata for Organ — 12 pages in total (7 pages of music notation), organ score in printed format. © 2019 EJ Music Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved; purchase licenses you to play from the copy but not to reproduce or distribute it. Catalogue No.: EJMP02004.

Add the printed sheet music of this thrilling Christmas Toccata by Gareth Green to your repertoire and let it crown your Christmas services or festive concerts with exuberant brilliance.

Hymn tune Prelude on ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ (Crimond) for Organ — Gareth Green

This gentle Prelude on the beloved Hymn tune 'Crimond' (The Lord is My Shepherd) by British composer Gareth Green offers a peaceful setting for manuals only. It is marked 'Slow and peaceful' and uses lyrical lines supported by simple yet expressive harmonies. Registrations suggest flute and string stops for the harmony, and a clarinet 8′ for the melody. Its serenity makes it ideal for use in church services, weddings, funerals or reflective concert moments.

Why you’ll love it:

Beloved hymn – A tender Prelude on the well-known 'Crimond' tune (The Lord is My Shepherd), cherished for its lyrical beauty and its frequent use at weddings, funerals, and memorial services.

Manuals only – Perfect for players without pedal technique or for smaller instruments.

Flexible registration – Suggested use of flutes, strings, and clarinet stops for expressive colour.

Accessible engraving – 2 pages of music notation presented within a 5-page publication, clearly laid out with registration notes.

Lower-intermediate level – Suitable for organists around UK Grade 3–4, with manageable textures and expressive phrasing. Performance time is about 2–3 minutes.

About the composer:

Gareth Green (b. 1960) is a British composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he studied at Worcester College, Oxford, and the Royal College of Music in London, and holds the FLCM in Composition. He has served as Assistant Organist at Wakefield Cathedral and now combines composing with international work as a performer, examiner, and educator.

Publication details:

Hymn tune Prelude on ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ (Crimond) for Organ — 5 pages in total (2 pages of music notation), organ score in PDF format. © 2018 EJ Music Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved; purchase licenses you to play from the copy but not to reproduce or distribute it. Catalogue No.: EJMP02002.

Add sheet music of this reflective Prelude by Gareth Green to your repertoire and let its quiet dignity enrich church services, weddings, funerals, or moments of contemplation in recital.