Lately I've been playing through some simple French romantic elevations and communions while the laity receive during Mass. They're fine, but after a few weeks of this I'm looking to mix things up and lean a little more baroque/renaissance. Any suggestions for repertoire from these eras along the lines of, say, the Frescobaldi chromatic elevation toccata (link to score included for reference)? I'm looking for simple, subdued, and meditative pieces two or more pages long which are basically sight-readable for your average joe, as I'm trying to avoid adding much extra practice time. Thanks for any pointers.
Recits pour le chromhorn, le nazard, or le tierce, etc. from French baroque organ masses are always nice for communions. Some (not all, but some) voluntaries, fantasias, in nomines, etc., from Britons such as Gibbons, Tomkins, Weelkes, Bull, etc. are good for communion music. There are always certain of B's Orgelbuchlein which would work well. Also, the manualiter settings in Bach's Clavier Ubung III Frescobaldi or Froberger ricercars would serve nicely. Although they may be too short, de Cabezon has versets for the Magnificat and a variety of hymns. You can always improvise on a communion-appropriate hymn (chant or otherwise).
I do normally improvise on Eucharistic melodies, be they chant or metrical hymns. I find myself in a bit of an improvising rut which is why I'm switching things up and playing actual pieces. Great suggestions so far gents, thank you.
Edit: The G minor fantasia is exactly what I'm looking for; I'll be playing it this Sunday.
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