Minneapolis organist premieres 70-year-old symphony

Harold Friedell
Composer and organist Harold Friedell
Courtesy Pine Hill Press

A 70-year-old organ symphony will receive its Midwest (and, possibly, U.S.) premiere this weekend in Minneapolis. In a solo recital Sunday at St. Mark's Cathedral, Raymond Johnston will play the quietly romantic, three-movement Organ Symphony written in 1935 by New York City composer Harold Friedell (1905-1958).

Friedell is known in Episcopal Church circles for his elegant choral music. He was organist at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York City and taught at Juilliard and at Union Seminary.

Raymond Johnston, organist
Raymond Johnston, organist
Courtesy Raymond Johnston

Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Barone talks with Raymond Johnston about Friedell and his music.

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