1981 Oberlinger organ at Saint Joseph’s Church, Bonn, Germany

One of the late romantic masterworks for orchestra is a symphony by Cesar Franck. And one of the great achievements of the 19th century French organ school was this same Cesar Franck’s introduction of a symphonic manner of writing for the pipe organ. But the Symphonic Organ and Franck’s D-minor Symphony are not usually on the same page… that is until our next Pipedreams broadcast when Jane Parker-Smith and Thomas Murray apply their magic to a remarkably effective transcription of the piece. Other items qualify as recent discoveries, some hundred years after the fact, and one familiar score may surprise you with its unconventional conclusion. They don’t teach it this way in the conservatory. Indeed, everything about the work of this estimable French composer is more than a bit out of the ordinary. It’s either been arranged, newly discovered, or radically transcribed. All of it’s enjoyable, and Franckly Unexpected. The music of Cesar Franck, this week on Pipedreams.

Some music just makes you want to tap your toes, and our next Pipedreams broadcast offers plenty of encouragement in that direction. From a Renaissance Basse Dance to modern Bolero, our collection explores that natural urge to move to music. You’ll hear some of the popular hits of the early 16th century and before, a rock-and-roll waltz, the Saint Louis Blues Twist, a Ritual Fire Dance, and even a macabre revel of spooks and goblins. Our instruments run the gamut from a tiny medieval-style organetto, to sassy theatre organs in Chicago, Oakland, and Hollywood, and a fine new installation at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Just try to keep from moving. We’ll explore the extremities of tonal variety and rhythmic energy in music that urges “Dance, Everyone!” this week on Pipedreams.

It was a meticulous craftsmanship and a perfectionist’s attitude that limited his lifetime compositional output to a mere dozen scores. On our next Pipedreams, we’ll show that while they are few in number, the compositions of Maurice Duruflé are like so many perfectly-polished jewels, core items in the organ repertoire. Along with his own works are interpretations of Bach, Handel, and Schumann in performances recorded at Soissons Cathedral, the National Shrine in Washington, DC, and Saint Thomas Church, New York, NY. Inspired by an abiding faith, a reference for Gregorian chant, and a love for the organ, he created a handful of masterpieces beloved equally by singers, players and listeners. Explore the exquisite art of Frenchman Maurice Duruflé, in A Centenary Tribute, this week on Pipedreams.

Perhaps from hanging around in the organ lofts near those bell towers, organ composers have amassed a fine pile of bell-music.

…a diverse collection of other musical friends teams up with the King of Instruments to make a glorious noise.

…a diverse collection of other musical friends teams up with the King of Instruments to make a glorious noise.