Maestoso: Five Processionals

- Calvert Shenk

Use: General, Weddings
Required Resources: Organ

This collection of five processionals by Calvert Shenk should be in every organist's library. The tempo marking for each piece is Maestoso, hence the title of the collection. These pieces, at once both practical and inspiring, show the composer's skills and insights, sharpened by many years of playing processionals on the organ bench.

The pieces begin with a "reedy" fanfare, and continue through various sections of music, with the requisite repeats and da capos that make for a serviceable, convenient processional. Don't limit these fine works to wedding ceremonies, though. They make perfect "walking" music for baccalaureate services, confirmation liturgies, Palm Sunday, Solemn Vespers, recessionals...anywhere stately organ music is needed!