1970, 1991 Mander organ at Saint Giles, Cripplegate, London, England, UK

When George Fredric Handel needed to draw crowds to performances of his new oratorios, he discovered that they’d come to see HIM play the organ. Now that’s star-power. And although the ravages of time have been less kind to some of his contemporaries, Handel’s concertos, and specifically those written for the organ, are still among the most delightful concert works ever devised from that period.

The pipe organ’s participation in religious worship has been an important facet of its tradition. This week, we’ll explore one of those traditions, the organ’s role in the sacred liturgy of the French Mass. From the colorful registrations used by Nicolas DeGrigny in his 17th century versets to the provocative images of Olivier Messiaen, the voice of the pipe organ adds immeasurably to the enhancement and the elevation of spiritual consciousness.

Music that celebrates spring’s rebirth and also the Christian Festival of the Resurrection.

…whether with carols or noels, anthems or improvisations, these musicians proclaim holiday cheer!

A sampler of unusual repertoire from one of Eastern Europe’s major musical centers.