Two symphonies #3
Saint Saens (of course)
but also
Khachaturian (stunning)
Anything else?
Saint Saens (of course)
but also
Khachaturian (stunning)
Anything else?
AFAIK this is for organ solo (Widor also had a lot of those, and probably a few more, typically French, composers did). I think the OP is asking for symphonies for organ and orchestra.My favourite organ symphony is probably Symphony No.1 by Louis Vierne (1870-1937).
Not an organist, but after having listened and read about about many works for organ and orchestra, I think that composer and organist Poul Ruders (and 20centrfuge) are correct in the above distinctions that should apply generally. Saint-Saens was a great organist and knew what he was doing when he called Symphony No. 3 a "symphony with organ." If that's what he wanted and it makes sense, that's enough. As well as the organ with its spectacular entrance, the Third is a symphony with piano duet and with unusually prominent harp parts among its sonic resources, all of which the composer handles deftly. Also, it would be clearer if we stuck with distinguishing the symphony for organ and orchestra from the concerto for organ and orchestra. Finally, I think there is a problem with Widor's term for his big solo organ compositions -- organ symphony -- because it is easily confused with symphony for organ and orchestra. I was fooled by it when I first looked into Widor's music.http://www.musicsalesclassical.com/composer/work/1342/36928
Programme Note
Poul Ruders Symfoni nr. 4 (2008)
An organ Symphony
2008-2009
When introducing a large-scale symphonic work not only as a symphony, but as an organ symphony, it would be impossible not to think of and perhaps compare it with Camille Saint-Saëns's famous Symphony no. 3, popularly known as the organ symphony. Well, that is a risk I am prepared to take - and live with the consequences. ... Saint-Saëns, however, listed his work as a symphony avec/with organ. The organ only appears in two out of the four sections of the piece. In my symphony, the instrument plays a far more significant part and is features in all four movements. But it is not a concerto for organ and orchestra, rather a symphony with organo obligato - a symphony with an organ part of a soloistic nature. So, an Organ Symphony it is. - Poul Ruders
The OP asked for symphonies for orchestra with organ. So symphonies for organ solo do not qualify. Neither do concertos imo, but there is no consensus on that.I'm a bit confused now by the genre. Symphony with organ appearing as one of the instruments? Symphony with organ as a major solo instrument (concerto)? "Symphony" with organ as a sole instrument?
In any case, for me the ultimate symphonic work with organ is Saint-Saëns's symphony.