From This Day Forward: Intermediate Organ Book

Williams selected repertoire that functions beautifully in real wedding contexts while building genuine organ technique. The two original processionals and recessionals give you music that feels fresh alongside the expected Bach and Handel, and every piece sits naturally under the hands and feet rather than fighting the organ's mechanical nature.

Opening this book feels like stepping into a cathedral on a bright morning. The standard repertoire carries the weight of centuries of weddings and celebrations, while Williams's original pieces add contemporary vitality without breaking the reverent atmosphere. The writing itself breathes easily, never forcing you to stretch or struggle unnecessarily.

This book serves the intermediate organist who needs reliable wedding repertoire without carrying five separate collections. It's equally valuable for students preparing for recital work or liturgical service playing, since every piece has been thoughtfully arranged to develop both hands and feet together at a manageable level.

• Register conservatively on first reading. Williams voices these arrangements for clarity, so resist over-coating the texture with unnecessary stops; let each hand's part sing distinctly.
• Plan your pedal entrances in the Handel and Bach selections before the ceremony begins. Intermediate organists often misjudge the moment to introduce the 16' foundation stops, and a walk-through eliminates hesitation during a service.
• Use the hymn arrangements as warm-ups before attempting the full wedding schedule. Both lie under the fingers comfortably and prepare your technique for the more elaborate figurework in pieces like the Pachelbel and Mouret.
• Balance tempo with liturgical purpose. A processional needs forward motion, but not so much that your bride arrives breathless; these pieces reward a steady pulse over flashy speed.

Use this as your complete wedding portfolio resource, mixing the classical standards with the Williams originals to give couples recognizable moments alongside fresh energy. For students, work through it systematically over a season to build secure technique on both manuals and pedals while experiencing how the same musical problems appear in different historical styles.

• Coordinating both hands with independent pedal lines
• Managing registration changes smoothly during performance
• Balancing baroque counterpoint with romantic-era lyrical phrasing
• Reading figured bass notation (in pieces like the Bach selections)
• Adapting tempo to serve both musical and liturgical function