From the Archives - Organ Symphonies

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published March 23, 2026 at 11:14 AM CDT

Symphonies for pipe organ and full orchestra are a thrilling experience. While the best known is Camille Saint-Saens’ Third Symphony, in this episode, enjoy two contrasting works by Aaron Copland and Alexandre Guilmant. The Copland shows modern trends in the 1920s, and the Guilmant is a full-blooded Romantic showpiece.

Compositions and Recordings

Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
by Aaron Copland
Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony
Paul Jacobs, organ

Symphony No. 1 for Orchestra and Organ Op. 42
by Alexandre Guilmant
Nicholas Braithwaite and the Alelaide Symphony
Simon Preston, organ

Toccata from Symphony No. 5
by Charles Marie Widor
Virgil Fox, organ

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3