1999 Reil organ in the Bovenkerk, Kampen, The Netherlands

The King of Instruments enjoys a long and proud tradition. This week we’ll celebrate this heritage with instruments in all of the major European countries where the art of the organ was born and fostered. The peripatetic Charles Burney, who wrote much about organs and organists encountered during his famous travels, contributes a tune to our medley as do Domenico Scarlatti, Vicente Hervas, Michel Corrette, and Georg Böhm. Everything old IS new again as we listen to historic instruments playing German, French, English, Italian, and Spanish music, all with perfect accent, the way it was meant to be. We honor tradition as the voices from these old pipes reveal the Wisdom of the Ages.

…an audiophile’s audition of several of the best recent recordings of organ music, taped here and abroad.

…another go-round of compositional ‘sweets’ dedicated to the organ’s many moods and styles.

…how better to explore a pipe organ’s voices, and test a player’s mettle, than in the playing of variations?!

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

…in this first of three Bach-related programs this month, notable performers bring decided individuality to their interpretations and tributes.

…delightful representatives of the Netherlands organ experience, with instruments and repertoire from five centuries.

…Though organists often are invisible when they play, some recent DVD productions showcase both the performance and the performer.

…a survey of music by the Lüneburg master Georg Böhm[1661-1733], whose exemplary shock-waves inspired, among others, the young Johann Sebastian Bach.

…with vibrant performances and exquisite instrumental sonorities, we delight in the work of history’s foremost composer for the pipe organ.

…in observance of the 450th anniversary of Sweelinck’s birth, a survey of the organ art in the Netherlands.

…in this first of three Bach-related programs this month, notable performers bring decided individuality to their interpretations and tributes.