Felix-Alexandre Guilmant (March 12, 1837 - March 29, 1911) was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, and was quite the virtuosic organist. Not exactly a household name, he nevertheless was a prolific composer, writing almost entirely  for the organ.

Guilmant began his organ studies with his father, and eventually went on to teach in Paris for thirty years, before embarking as a virtuoso soloist. He toured in both North America and Europe, where he was especially popular; his concerts in England attracted upwards of 10,000 people.

Guilmant's Symphony no. 1 for Organ and Orchestra started out as a his First Organ Sonata, but was later reworked for organ and orchestra. It is in three movements: Introduction and Allegro, Pastorale (Andante quasi allegretto) and Finale (Allegro Assai). The work opens dramatically, with an ominous dotted rhythm and the orchestra echoing the organ. Some very fancy, melodic footwork follows the opening, and the work takes a turn in to a major key for awhile before being drawn back to D minor.  The second movement is a fantasia, with the organ playing a heavenly line for a while by itself. The orchestra then picks up on the line, and they play against one another, making for mesmerizing listening. The movement ends with the flute climbing up a sublime line, and the movement seems to end in the (metaphorical) clouds. The third movement brings things back down however, with the organist's hands busy as can be, and back in to D minor. He then contrasts that with lyrical second theme, and then back to an energetic minor. The final section of the movement is quite splendid, with the trumpets and timpani out in full force, and the work comes to a climatic, sensational ending.

 

Here are some recordings you may enjoy:

Edgar Krapp
Simon Preston
Franz Hauk