1692 Arp Schnitger organ [plus additions] at the Martinikerk, Groningen, The Netherlands

An eclectic and engaging survey of evidence of the pipe organs potential for color and variety, from recent recordings.

These brilliant denizens of heaven evoke their rolls as travelers’ guide, focus of prayers and wishes, and symbol of nations, while providing us with a star-studded musical celebration.

The Netherlands, beyond its eye-catching windmills and colorful tulips, is home to an incredible treasure of historic and modern pipe organs.

…the famous French recitalist, recording artist and teacher Marie-Claire Alain talks about her life and shares her music. With more than 200 albums to her credit, she is synonymous with the art of French organ music today. On our next Pipedreams program, Marie-Claire Alain talks about her family’s history, including the time when her organist father built an instrument for their home, upon which her older brother composed some of the foremost works of the 20th century. Meanwhile, this little black sheep of the talented Alain family grew up to be a famous teacher and recitalist who helped popularize the French Classics, and has recorded the complete works of Bach three times. Marie-Claire Alain talks and plays from the heart. She is a vital force in broadening the French musical perspective. Daughter and sister, teacher and recitalist, she has lived a life with and for music. Hear her story Alain on Alain this week on Pipedreams.

…we trace a trail from before Bach to Bingham and beyond, with a collection of music ‘in the manner Baroque’.

…a selective survey of some recently issued recordings devoted to organ music from the period 1600-1750, everything from Boyvin to Casini plus Bach, Handel and Buxtehude, too!

…in recently discovered scores, unusual arrangements, or pieces forgotten in dark corners, the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach always delights, born March 21, 1685.

…in the company of guest commentator and biographer Kerala Snyder, we explore the profoundly influential music of the “Great Dane” of the German Baroque organ scene.

…varied interpretations, transcriptions, arrangements, and outlooks enhance our appreciation of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…music by offspring, pupils, and later enthusiasts for whom the music of Johann Sebastian Bach was both beacon and benediction.

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

…meditations from the dark side by Bach, Sweelinck, Daveluy and Grunenwald, somber music of sadness, solace, and strength.

…during his later Leipzig years, Bach revised and prepared a diverse collection of chorale preludes that were his final testament in this format.

…whether on historic instruments in his homeland, a Catholic church in New Orleans, or in a Japanese concert hall, nothing quite satisfies like the music of Johann Sebastian Bach!

…in the company of guest commentator and biographer Kerala Snyder, we explore the profoundly influential music of this “Great Dane” of the German Baroque organ scene.

…intriguing, invigorating, and inflammable compositions on themes for the Feast of Pentecost.

…whether in recently discovered scores, unusual arrangements, or pieces forgotten in dark corners, the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach always delights (b. 3/21/1685).

…one of the world's best known texts provides us with glimpses into the composer's craft and the organ builder's art.

…the Christmas festival is rich with pictorial implications that composers have interpreted with intriguing ingenuity.

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

…music for the Feast of Epiphany, celebrating the journey of the Wise Men and their celestial beacon.

…discoveries, authentications, arrangements and acknowledged masterworks by the greatest of all composers for the pipe organ.

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

…our traditional summing-up of some of the year’s happenings in the world of the King of Instruments.