1750 Gabler organ at Weingarten Abbey, Germany

Some of you might know him as a one-piece composer, but Johann Pachelbel, the pride of Nuremberg, wrote many other works beyond the ubiquitous Canon in D. On our next Pipedreams program, we’ll explore that extensive other repertoire, which includes splendid variation chains from which the young Bach learned a thing or two, elaborate chorale-preludes, modest miniatures for the vespers Magnificat, and splendid virtuoso showpieces that show off the sounds of 10 different instruments. Joseph Payne, Marilyn Mason, and Antoine Bouchard share excerpts from their complete CD cycles, too.

Michael Barone reviews a summer selection of recent recordings of music by and related to Johann Sebastian Bach.

One of the delights about the organ is its virtually limitless repertoire, and this Pipedreams program explores some of that as we sample a collection of the latest releases of pipe organ repertoire on compact disc. Hear pieces by Bach’s favorite pupil, a work for organ and cello by written by one Paris Conservatoire professor for himself and a colleague, a canny combination of organ sound with an electronically synthesized harp, a quiet bluesy Arietta by African American pianist Thomas Kerr, and a sonorous symphony by Alexander Guilmant which will make your speakers rumble.

A good tune is a joy forever, but instead of repeating the same melody over and over, why not make it different? This week’s show illustrates the art of variation. Organist, Hannes Meyer toys with a European folksong, while the late, great George Thalben-Ball takes the ferocious fiddling of Paganini and transforms it into a virtuosic dance on the organ pedals. Secular or sacred, sumptuous or sometimes just plain silly, our themes provide remarkable opportunity for creative possibilities. It’s all about the altered intent, where one good tune demands another take. By the end, even you’ll be calling out, Play it Again, Sam.

This week is all about Music in Monasteries as we revel in the glorious sonorities of instruments old and new in abbey churches and convent chapels. Whether playing a Little Oboe Concerto at southern Germany, moderating a solemn mass in Provence, or celebrating new wine on the Indiana plains, these instruments resound in equal measure for prayer AND praise. Worship and the arts come together at Saint Meinrad, Indiana, Saint Maximin, Provence, and half a dozen other destinations where organ music enhances the life experience with beauty, grace and power. Hear works from four centuries as our tour bus takes us on the rounds, fueled by Abbey Gas.

Music that celebrates spring’s rebirth and also the Christian Festival of the Resurrection.

Michael Barone shares his field recordings of some exceptional historic instruments in spectacular Bavarian Baroque churches, and invites you to join his tour there in May 2006.

Part one of a two part celebration of the 100th birthday of one of the most influential and effective advocates for the pipe organ, the late, great Edward George Power Biggs, March 29, 1906—March 10, 1977.

Some lively aural reminders of the fun we had during our recent visit to southern Germany and beyond.

…select shorts of some of the remarkable instruments we heard during a 2006 tour in southern Germany.

…in anticipation of the Christmas festival, this collection of music with an international flavor.

…works by J.S.B., variants on Bach themes, and music inspired by his example.

…in their different ways, Bach’s eldest sons Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philip Emmanuel, made interesting contributions to the repertoire.

…the annual Olde Yeare-New Year reflection, with highlights from recent recordings, concert excerpts, prize-winning performances, and more.

…a tri–centenary salute to Bach's favorite and most prolific student, Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)

…you might think them an odd couple, but Anton Heiller from 20th century Austria and Gottfried August Homilius from 18th century Saxony both knew a thing or two about writing for the organ.

…in celebration of the Vernal Equinox and a special birthday, we delight again in more of the ever resilient music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…Beginning the New Year with a sampler of recent released of organ music on cassette and compact disc.

…on beyond ubiquitous familiarity to a diverse and delightful repertoire by the master-player of Nuremberg, Johann Pachelbel.

…Going on Record....the spring quarterly sampler of recent releases in review.

…Our traditional wrap-up of the preceding twelve months and a projection into the future, with aural snapshots from some spectacular concerts, reviews of several outstanding recordings, and resolutions for the New Year.

Scavenging amidst the numerous and imaginative works of Bach’s exceptional pupil Johann Ludwig Krebs.

An extravagantly colorful autumn collection of recent recordings in review.

A spring survey of recent organ recordings.