William Humphreys DAYAS: Complete Organ Music
The American William Humphreys Dayas (1864–1903) studied with Liszt, was friends with Busoni and became a major piano teacher, spreading the message of Liszt’s music to his students in Helsinki, Wiesbaden, Cologne and Manchester, where his short life came to an end. Dayas left only a handful of compositions, but they include two major organ sonatas – passionate, Lisztian works that have remained completely unknown until now. Dayas also arranged for organ the Thème varié for piano four hands by another forgotten American composer, Arthur H. Bird (1856–1923), a further important addition to the late-Romantic organ repertoire.
Jan Lehtola, Walcker Organ of St. John's Church, Helsinki
Listen To This Recording:
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Organ Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5
- I Präludium —
- II Andante —
- III Introduzione (quasi Fantasie): Poco piu Andante —
- IV Fuge (Allegro moderato)
- Thema Andante ma non troppo
- Var. 1 Poco allegro
- Var. 2 Poco più allegro
- Var. 3 Allegro
- Var. 4 Più moderato
- Var. 5 Allegro moderato
- Var. 6 Andante ma non troppo
- Var. 7 Moderato maestoso
- Fuge: Moderato
- I. Maestoso—Allegro —
- II. Adagio—Allegretto—Adagio —
- III. Maestoso—Allegro energico —
- IV. Fuge (Moderato)—Piu allegro—Allegro—Molto allegro
Arthur H. Bird arr Dayas: Thème varié, Op. 27
Organ Sonata No. 2 in C minor, Op. 7
Fanfare Magazine :
‘[Organ Sonatas] are technically formidable, soundly constructed, substantial in content, and enjoyable; […] Certainly in Lehtola they have a dedicated and enthusiastic exponent […] The recorded sound is top-notch, and Toccata likewise lavishes its usual care upon exemplary booklet notes, including full specifications for the organ.’
—James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine, July 2016