1949 Wicks organ at the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Our songs are without words, colorful portraits painted with tones alone. This week, Paul Manz spins tuneful improvisations around familiar holiday melodies, and then Olivier Messiaen infuses mere chords and rhythms with an almost iconic presence. Shepherds and Magi, heavenly hosts and eternal purposes hover above a mother and child in Bethlehem, as we meditate upon the magic of the season and the mysteries of faith. Nine recitalists, from Germany, Britain, Sweden, the United States and France retell the story of The Nativity of the Lord in a unique expression for holiday reflection.

The idea of the pipe organ may be old, but those who are excited about playing it certainly are not!

…our annual reflection on the past twelve months and projections for the future, including some of the original PIPEDREAMS elements from our first broadcasts 25 years ago.

…composers from four centuries create energetic musical manifestations of a timeless, singular song of praise.

…a celebration of the blind French composer, Jean Langlais [1902-1991], featuring performances by himself and his wife, Marie-Louise Langlais, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his death.

…to celebrate the bicentennial of Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who made the 19th century pipe organ a vehicle for virtuosos, and for prayers.

…concert performances from the 2008 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists.

…composers from four centuries create energetic musical manifestations of a timeless, singular song of praise.

…a tribute to the artistry of English-born organist and choral conductor John Scott, who died unexpectedly at age 59 on August 12, 2015.

…in anticipation of Holy Week, selections from various compositions that enshrine Jesus’s final earthly utterances.

. . . the first Pipedreams broadcast features highlights from the 1980 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists held in the Minnesota Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

… a formal public concert of music from the British cathedral tradition, recorded at Saint Mary’s Basilica, Minneapolis during the American Guild of Organist’s 1980 National Convention in Minnesota.

…performances of Baroque repertoire at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Saint Paul, by German recitalist Harald Vogel; and a Choral Evensong Office sung at the Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, by the Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, conducted by Barry Rose, with organist John Scott.

…A collection of engaging and ear-catching moments from the program's archives.

…A reassessment of the immense body of work from the pen of the early 20th century master of mysticism, Frenchman Charles Tournemire.

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A progression of gladsome Gallic variants on holiday melodies.

Celebratory compositions in a variety of dynamic levels on Christmas themes.

…the very first Pipedreams broadcast features highlights from the 1980 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists held in the Minnesota Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.