The Concerto for organ, strings and percussion by Kay Johannsen, Kantor of the Stiftskirche in Stuttgart, is a valuable addition to the repertoire for organ and orchestra. It is a work composed to appeal to both performer and audience alike with thrilling rhythmic sections as well as moments of great intimacy. The organ part, for a three manual instrument if possible, is shown to its best advantage in many and varied tonal colors, ranging from the most delicate solo registrations to powerful forte. The organ writing is demanding, but well within the capabilities of experienced organists. Precise registration suggestions are contained in the score. The string orchestra (minimum 4/4/3/3/1) is scored with sophistication, with solos for all instruments. The percussion is for two players a part for timpani and one for other, readily available percussion instruments. By avoiding the use of wind and brass instruments, the work can also be performed where the tuning of the organ is not ideally suited to modern orchestral pitch.
