The Grand Organ of Temple Church Roger Sayer

• Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809 - 1847): Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56:
• 1 Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56: I. Allegro moderato e serioso 05:22
• Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56:
• 2 Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56: II. Adagio 03:18
• Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56:
• 3 Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56: III. Andante recitativo 03:28
• Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56:
• 4 Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56: IV. Allegro assai vivace 03:15
• Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877 - 1933): Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude":
• 5 Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude": I. Introduzione. Inferno 06:01
• Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude":
• 6 Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude": II. Canzone 05:43
• Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude":
• 7 Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude": III. Fuga con chorale 08:07
• Max Reger (1873 - 1916): Chorale Fantasias, Op. 52:
• 8 Chorale Fantasias, Op. 52: No. 3, Halleluja! Gott zu loben, bleibe meine Seelenfreud 13:35
• Julius Reubke (1834 - 1858): Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94":
• 9 Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94": I. Grave - II. Allegro con fuoco 12:03
• Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94":
• 10 Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94": III. Adagio - Lento 06:11
• Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94":
• 11 Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94": IV. Allegro - Più mosso 07:06
• Total Runtime 01:14:09

Info for The Grand Organ of Temple Church

Roger Sayer is at the forefront of British choral and organ music, recognised both as a prize-winning organist, and as an acclaimed Choral Director with some of the UK 's finest choirs. Sayer has even performed as the organ soloist in Hans Zimmer's Oscar-nominated score for the film Interstellar. Mozart called the organ the ""King of Instruments"", and this release certainly showcases its majestic qualities. Mendelssohn's Organ Sonata No.1 was inspired by Bach, and exudes an air of gravitas and profundity whilst enjoying the organ's variety of sonorities. Bach also influenced 20th-century composers Sigfrid Karg-Elert and Max Reger, both of whom followed in Bach's footsteps by moving to Leipzig. Karg-Elert's Symphonic Chorale is based on Jesu meine Freude by Johann Cruger, and on the notes BACH (B flat, A, C and B natural), while Reger's chorale-based Fantasia is a work of great virtuosity. The collection ends with a memorable sonata by Liszt-pupil Julius Reubke.

"He is, without exaggeration, an extraordinary artist, whose humanity shines in the impeccable artistry that flows from his hands...." (Hans Zimmer, award-winning composer)

Roger Sayer, organ

Roger Sayer
is at the forefront of British choral and organ music. A former organ student at St Paul's Cathedral, Sayer was Prize Winner at the 1989 St Albans International Organ Competition and won all the organ prizes at the Royal College of Music. Since then, ​he has been constantly in demand both as a recitalist and accompanist and his playing takes him to many parts of the world. His recent and upcoming highlights include recitals in Italy, Germany, Holland and Denmark, a major tour of Australia, a live recital at Temple Church broadcast on BBC Radio 3, opening the 2018 Summer Organ Festival at Westminster Abbey and the release of two new recordings for Priory and Signum records.

Roger Sayer's work as organist has also extended into the film world, with his most recent performance as organ soloist for Hans Zimmer's Oscar nominated score for the motion picture Interstellar. Sayer later went on to perform the work live with composer Hans Zimmer in a special concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, which was attended by the film's director, cast and supporters, including Christopher Nolan, Jessica Chastain, Professor Brian Cox and Professor Stephen Hawking. ​

In addition, Roger Sayer is also an acclaimed Choral Director with some of the UK's finest choirs. After founding the Rochester Cathedral Girls choir, Sayer joined Temple Church in 2013 as Musical Director and has since created an impressive portfolio of recordings, broadcasts and concerts. Under his direction, Temple Church Choir has broadcast over thirteen times on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM and undertaken several international tours of the USA, Holland, Singapore, Australia and Germany. In the summer of 2017, Roger conducted the choir at the St Albans International Organ Festival 'Three Choirs' concert, alongside the choirs of St Paul's Cathedral and St Albans Abbey. Sayer also recently initiated a new youth choir of Boys and Girls at Temple Church, which gave its debut in November 2017.

Outside of Temple Church, Roger Sayer works regularly with the London Symphony Chorus. In his capacity as Accompanist and Deputy Chorus Director, Sayer has collaborated with many of the worlds leading conductors and soloist.

Booklet for The Grand Organ of Temple Church