Inspired by the writings and marked pious sentiment of Francis of Assisi, German composer and organist Andeas Willscher (b. 1955) composed a 12-movement, fifth organ symphony, subtitled “Of Francis’ Preaching about Holy Poverty” (2006). The music is not program music and attempts instead to represent the oratorical devices in sermons: reasoning, warning, excited and passionate urging, pauses and pregnant silence. The key motif centers on the words, Francesco di Assisi,” which becomes F-D-A. This motif permeates a series of contrasting musical techniques like toccata (vituosic music designed to exhibit the performer’s touch and technique), fughetta (a short fugue, i.e., two or more voices proceeding in imitating a main theme and beginning at different pitches), and improvised meditations. Exclusive use of the organ’s white keys is utilized to musically define the essence of “Holy Poverty.” The composer describes each movement in the program booklet.