1995 Marcussen organ in the Chapel of Saint Augustine, Tonbridge School in Kent, England, UK

Trumpet fanfares and other bracing measures spice up this week’s broadcast as we celebrate spring with improvisations and anthems dedicated to the festival of rebirth. Marilyn Keiser plays a Festal Flourish, Kevin Bowyer borrows from Bach’s Little Organ Book, James Culp asks a pointed question, Craig Philips contributes a song for a special morning awakening, and everywhere sons and daughters sing. With instruments in Texas, Italy, and our nation’s capitol, and choirs from Beverly Hills and Britain, we offer Music for an Easter Uprising.

Sometimes faith is all that’s left. And all that’s needed when disaster strikes. All is not lost, and on the next Pipedreams broadcast, our music represents the rekindled spirits which responded to the horrific bombing in Oklahoma City, the devastating tremors of a Los Angeles earthquake, a hurricane in Charleston, South Carolina, and a chapel fire in Kent, England. Out of the rubble and despair rises harmony and new enthusiasm. Scott Raab, Wayne Foster, Kevin Bowyer, and Thomas Harmon show us the way with music of hope rekindled.

It’s all about collegiality. On our next Pipedreams program, the organ teams up with all sorts of friends including it’s keyboard cousin, the piano, plus other brassy relations - the trumpet and trombone. You’ll hear a little lullaby for organ and harp, a haunting fantasy for organ and electronic-tape that is amazingly effective plus a transcription of an orchestral tone poem by Franz Liszt, a spicy Baroque Concerto by Michel Corrette, and a lusty march by Alexandre Guilmant. Think variety organ with trumpet, organ with trombone, organ with choir, or harp, or piano, or symphony orchestra, even organ with electronic tape. We’re going to set aside all churchly implications and team up with many instrumental friends. Think beyond the box. Organ Plus, this week on Pipedreams.

Our annual reflection on world happenings, with highlights of instruments, young artists, and exceptional recordings.

This week’s broadcast features memoriable contributions to the repertoire, both old and new, for organ and orchestra from France.

Christmas music from many lands is transformed by the colors of the pipe organ

…the remarkable Marie-Claire Alain talks about the unique power of the compositions by her older brother and first teacher, Jehan Alain [1911-1940]. He wrote one of the best known, and most powerful organ scores of the 20th century, titled Litanies, and during his short life created an astonishing array of deeply communicative compositions. On our next Pipedreams program the works of Jehan Alain will be performed by an international array of soloists, including composer’s sister Marie-Claire. Jehan was the talented older brother, Marie-Claire the little black sheep whom he encouraged. Jehan was killed early in World War II, at the age of 29 and Marie-Claire has championed his music ever since, music which now the whole world knows. Mysterious, miraculous, the music of Jehan Alain, revealed to us by the woman who has championed it throughout her own remarkable international career. Marie-Claire Alain is our special guest for Alain on Alain, this week on Pipedreams.

…hot to the touch, and hotter to hear, these compositions cover the keyboard with memorable sonic effects.

…a late-summer review of an international selection of recently issued compact discs devoted to the King of Instruments.

…though he did not live to be thirty, in the hundred years since his birth, Alain’s remarkable and original works have achieved world-renown.

…the canny British-born recitalist, musician-in-residence at Washington National Cathedral, has made an international reputation with his recordings, arrangements, and compelling performances.

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

…we borrow from an international collective of music old and new in celebration of the Christmas holiday.

…publishing a set of three works in a single volume makes sense, as does playing then together.

…whether in response to the Angel’s proclamation of her divine role, or in simple hymns of praise, composers through history have celebrated the Virgin Mary.

…another impromptu scan of some recently-received recordings showcasing the King of Instruments

…the resurrection theme has inspired composers across many generations.

…a collection of terrifically tactile and telling tests of musical virtuosity and stamina.

…concert and session recordings highlight one of today’s outstanding performer-teachers, Baylor University’s petite powerhouse, Isabelle Demers.

Beginning the New Year with a sampler of recent recordings.