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Dupré's Symphonie Passion is one of the most important works in the genre of the Organ Symphony, and there is much evidence to suggest that it deserves special attention with regard to the orchestral approach necessary for a successful performance. Pierre Cochereau said that
It is generally known that Marcel Dupré has always shown extreme tolerance with regard to the registration of his works...shall we recall to mind on this subject that the aesthetic taste of Dupré, expressed clearly, and on many an occasion, was inclined to the ultrasymphonic organ and consequently it is not a betrayal of his intentions if we confirm that the Symphonie-Passion is more properly an orchestral work conceived to be played on the organ than a specific composition for organ.
andrew shenton considers an approach to performing the work.
In order to achieve the optimum orchestral effect it is necessary to revise parts of the score and to register the movements in a way which is sympathetic to their orchestral nature while allowing expression of the strong programmatic element. In addition, there are some textual anomalies which need to be addressed, and further points which may be considered justification for this approach. The editions and changes which follow are based on an aesthetic and a style of playing developed over the last twenty years or so which allows greater flexibility of the resources of large organs through the addition of electronic piston capture systems. Dupré's score is restricted by the limitations of the organ for which he was writing.
On his first tour of America in November and December 1921, Dupré gave 14 concerts alternating between New York and Philadelphia. His venue at each location was the Wanamaker Store, in which Rodman Wanamaker -- the store owner and an organ enthusiast -- had installed large organs. The organ in Philadelphia, built for the 1904 St Louis World Fair and installed in 1911, was the largest in the world with 234 stops, over 18,000 pipes, and a five manual console. After it was installed it was enlarged several times, growing to 461 ranks. The following...