Francis Poulenc, an accomplished pianist but little known in organ circles, published two works for organ: Litanies à la Vierge noire, FP 82 (1936), in which the organ accompanies a women’s choir, and the Concerto in G minor, FP 93 (1935–1938), with string orchestra and timpani. The latter is probably his most frequently performed and recorded concertante work, along with Concerto in D minor, FP 61 (1932), for two pianos and orchestra, and Concert champêtre, FP 49 (1927–1928), for harpsichord and orchestra. Besides Joseph Jongen’s Symphonie concertante for grand organ and orchestra, op. 81 (1926), it is the most popular 20th-century concerto among organists and audiences alike.

Lutosławski’s twenty carols are not a ‘Top Twenty’ collection; conspicuous by their absence are some of the most popular carols like Wśród nocnej ciszy (In the midst of night’s quiet), Mędrcy świata (Wise men of the world) or Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki (Let’s all go to the stable) while little known works are included.