I practice Messiaen's modes and the Acoustic scale regularly in my practice, and strongly believe that style has its place in the Catholic liturgy. Personally, I enjoy the more wild improvisations that are mentioned here. But, you need the right organ, right acoustic, right congregation, etc, in order for it to work.
The organ I have in my parish does not favor this style, so I have to be more conservative, emulating Vierne, early Langlais, or a more Baroque style.
I've been studying improvisation for two years. It takes time to develop your own personal style, whether it's more Baroque or Messiaen/Tournemire-esque. I favor the latter, but am trying to become conversant in Baroque.
Regardless of styles, the most important thing I've learned from my current teacher is this: shorter is better.
Shorter is better only if the people can’t stand it… otherwise, people can’t get enough of excellent improv… (just speaking from experience from comments of parishioners who remain after Mass)
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