Form in the Organ Symphonies of Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958)

This document examines the two organ symphonies by American composer Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958). The popularity of the works during his lifetime paints a picture of a composer that was revered by his contemporaries. These little known works lean heavily on the aesthetics and compositional practices of French symphonic organ literature. Analysis of the symphonies reveals that Barnes uses various formal approaches, particularly sonata form, in addition to ternary and free forms based on preexisting material. This document casts greater light on a scarcely known American composer whose organ symphonies have yet to assume a place in the organ repertory.