Open Door
for Organ

Open Door is based on "Paris," a hymn tune by early-American composer William Billings. The tune is also known by the name “Open Door.”

This work consists of an Introduction and Postlude. The Postlude was written for Julia C. Callaway, organist at Vine Street Christian Church, and was premiered by Ms. Callaway in April 1996 at "The World's Largest Organ Concert," a national event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Guild of Organists. The Introduction, which incorporates thematic elements of the hymn tune and the Postlude, was added for a subsequent concert performance. Organists may choose to perform both sections together or to employ the Postlude as a stand- alone work in a worship setting.

Of particular note is the return of the hymn tune in the pedal, beginning in the third system of the sixth page. The registration should be heavy, and the pedal should dominate from here to the work's conclusion.