Top 25 Organ Arrangements

The organ is one of the most versatile and complex instruments. Some of the most ornate can be seen at old cathedrals, but there are others that can fit right next to other instruments in your house! From wedding music to your old hymn favorites, from Halloween classics to classical themes, here is our top 25 list of organ arrangements. Check out our wide variety as well on our website.

1. “Wedding Processional” from The Sound of Music

This popular arrangement comes from a sweet moment in The Sound of Music when Maria marries Captain Georg von Trapp. It takes place in a large cathedral, so the organ sound swells throughout the sanctuary.

2. “Nimrod from Enigma Variations, Opus 36, No. 9” by Edward Elgar

This popular classical piece is a part of a larger work in which Elgar creates a variety of musical sketches for each of his close friends. “Nimrod” was dedicated to Augustus J. Jaeger, who was a music editor at the music publishing company Novello & Co. Jaeger always encouraged him to keep composing no matter what.

3. “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565” by Johann Sebastian Bach

One of the most popular organ pieces, especially for Halloween, some believe that this song was originally composed to depict a storm. It was made popular in the Disney movie Fantasia.

4. “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn

A favorite for wedding ceremonies, this piece was originally written for Mendelssohn’s suite of instrumental music inspired by Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is usually performed at the end of a wedding as the couple leaves the ceremony.

5. “Symphony No. 5, Opus 42: V. Toccata” by Charles-Marie Widor

The last movement of this symphony is the most well-known, and it is usually performed towards the end of Christmas or wedding ceremonies. Many people perform it at a fast tempo, but Charles-Marie Widor preferred it to be performed much slower.

6. “Prelude on Rhosymedre” by Hal H. Hopson

Ralph Vaughan Williams originally composed this piece from the hymn tune Rhosymedre, and it was performed at Princess Diana’s funeral as well as the weddings of her two sons.

7. “Hornpipe from Water Music” by George Frederick Handel

This piece is part of a suite by Handel that was originally scored for orchestra. It was first performed for a concert for King George I on the River Thames.

8. “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke

Otherwise known as Prince of Denmark’s March, this song was previously attributed to Henry Purcell. This is yet another piece that is commonly performed at weddings.

9. “Music for the Royal Fireworks: La Réjouissance (The Rejoicing)” by George Frederick Handel

This piece is part of a suite that was originally composed for the fireworks in Green Park in London in 1749. The people were “rejoicing” over the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. Handel originally wanted strings to be a part of the performance, but King George was clear that he did not want any “fiddles.”

10.  “The Prayer” by Marianne Kim

This well-known classical pop song, originally performed by Josh Groban and Celine Dion, can be performed in a variety of settings, such as weddings, church services, or memorial services.

11.  “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Hal H. Hopson

This classic Baroque piece fits well with the organ instrumentation and fills out the overall sound.

12.  “Here I Am, Lord” by Marianne Kim

This flowing arrangement of a popular hymn is a great option for any interlude or special music during a church service.

13.  “Prelude to the Te Deum” by Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Another popular Baroque piece, the prelude is written in D Major, and Charpentier thought of this key as “bright and very warlike.” D Major was also considered the “key of glory” in Baroque music.

14.  “Psalm 19” by Benedetto Marcello

This piece was originally scored for choir, but it was later transcribed for organ. It is a go-to piece for many organists for a variety of special occasions.

15.  “A Festive Trumpet Tune” by Douglas E. Wagner

This arrangement is perfect for the beginning of a church service or gathering, and the beginning themes in the treble clef represent the sound of a trumpet.

16.  “Prelude on St. Catherine (Faith of Our Fathers)” by Gordon Young

This accessible arrangement is another great option for an offertory at a church service or other special music.

17.  “Rigaudon” by André Campra

This piece is considered standard repertoire for all organ players, and it comes from the 1712 opera Idoménée.

18.  “Adagio in G Minor” by Hal H. Hopson

This was originally composed for strings and organ, and it is often referred to as Albinoni’s Adagio. It has been used in many films and TV shows, including Flashdance, Rollerball, and Manchester by the Sea.

19.  “Prelude on Amazing Grace” by Traditional

This arrangement of the well-known song is an easier arrangement that can be used for a variety of occasions.

20.  “It Is Well with My Soul” by Eleanor Whitsett

This lush arrangement of a popular hymn tune would be a great choice to showcase the organ as well as the organist for special music.

21.  “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” by John Bacchus Dykes

This hymn tune is traditionally used for various branches of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy from England and the United States Navy. The lyrics were originally written by William Whiting, who survived sailing on a ship during a bad storm. He believed that God began the rage in the sea but also created the calm afterwards.

22.  “Prelude on Morning Has Broken” by David Lasky

This is another accessible prelude that can be put together in little time for the organist that needs an easier piece.

23.  “Fairest Lord Jesus” by Joel Raney

This exciting arrangement gradually builds towards the end, featuring a repeated triplet pattern that builds in intensity. Make sure to bring out the main melody above this repeated pattern.

24.  “Sheep May Safely Graze” by Jack Schrader

This classical piece is originally by Johann Sebastian Bach, who wrote it as a soprano aria. While this song is commonly performed at weddings, it was first written for a birthday celebration of Christian, the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels.

25.  “Postlude on A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Eleanor Whitsett

All church goers will recognize this classic hymn by Martin Luther. It was written in the 1500s, and it is sometimes referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.”

Click here to access sheet music for our top organ hits, and don’t forget to download our free Musicnotes app!