1970 Aeolian-Skinner, Opus 1476, organ at National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC.

The work of African-American organ composers is a powerfully compelling story in music and on our next Pipedreams broadcast we’ll explore its diverse nature. With performer and commentator Mickey Thomas Terry, we’ll visit the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Saint Patrick’s Church, and the National Presbyterian Church, all located in Washington, DC. Here we’ll listen to largely unknown creations by Thomas Kerr, William Cooper, Noel DaCosta, George Walker and Eugene Hancock. We’re highlighting music for organ with African percussion, and organ solo settings of African-American spirituals, music for church services, and pieces for the concert hall. It’s a multi-faceted discovery, spelled out In Black and White the African-American organ art, this week on Pipedreams.

Old world resonances come together in new world experiences on this week’s show, it’s a discovery of colorful and unusual works on African-American themes. Noel DaCosta adapts Nigerian tunes in his Ukom Memory Songs for organ and percussion, Dezsö Antalffy transforms Black spirituals in a splendid solo fantasy from the 1930s, and Pulitzer Prize-winner George Walker evokes images of craggy heights in his new solo titled Spires. Mickey Thomas Terry provides personal glimpses to repertoire which juxtaposes light and shade with vivid result. Duke Ellington’s urbanaty, southern spirituals and Nigerian funeral chants all figure in our program of music on African American themes. We’re blending Black and White together, with colorful results, this week’s broadcast.

Tune in and celebrate contributions made to the art of the organ by African-American composers and performers.

A four-century survey of organ music and a review of some resplendent recent recordings.

whether in their themes or styles, American organists have always gone their own, independent way.

On the fourth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, this musical offering of remembrance, resilience and hope.

Embellished by the pipe organ’s many colors, these compositions were inspired by African and Afro-American themes.

Poetic portraits and psalmists songs summon soothing images of lush summer fields and quiet times.

Whether because of a guiding star, or a brilliant flash of inspiration, our composers make more vivid that special moment of clarity.

…a further foray into some home-grown repertoire from the 20th century for the ‘king of instruments’.

…composers and performers blend their talents in a melodious tribute to the holiday season.

…refreshing scores for organ plus other wind instruments, including trumpet, flute, saxophone, horn and pan-pipes.

Imaginative composers and performers explore the varied opportunities of the King of Instruments.

…a colorful collection of music featuring African-American composers and performers.

…‘historic recordings’ and premiere performances from the 1982 American Guild of Organists Convention in Washington, D.C., reflecting back on some of the earliest PIPEDREAMS programs.

…a centenary tribute to the celebrated San Francisco organist-composer Richard Purvis (1913-1994).

…more unique concert performances, this time from the 2010 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in Washington DC.

…imaginative composers and performers explore the varied opportunities of the King of Instruments.

…an independent approach leads to compelling results in the hands of those who prefer ‘doing it their way’!

…‘live’ and lively performances by some ‘rising stars’ and established talents of the American organ scene.

…music of profound introspection and overt rejoicing for the Christian Resurrection festival.

…the resurrection theme has inspired composers across many generations.

An international collection of arrangements for instruments and voices.

A colorful miscellany of music by women composers from past and present. Though not nearly so numerous or celebrated as their male counterparts, women composers have created a substantial and remarkable repertoire for the pipe organ. Note that Women’s Equality Day is observed on August 26.