1983 C.B. Fisk organ at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY

Bach may have considered this piece a theoretical study and not have intended The Art of Fugue to be performed at all, since he prepared it in open score and left the climax incomplete. On our next Pipedreams program, we give life to theory, as an international array of soloists leads us through Bach’s contrapuntal maze, this music which astounds the mind and delights the ear simultaneously. A fugue too many? Not to worry, we’ll provide a map to help you listen, and hand you all the keys necessary to open the doors of mystery. How does it end?

It’s a multiplicity of riches on our next Pipedreams program, a sampling from sixteen new releases, including historically correct instruments at Stanford University in California. We’ll also visit Presbyterian churches Rochester and Buffalo, New York, Hexam Abbey in England, and the Cathedrals in Fulda, Germany and Washington DC, hearing Wolfgang Rübsam, Paul Manz, Gillian Weir and still others perform at the top of their game. From the Church of Saint Sulpice in Paris to the west coast of America, we’ll hear colorful music from four centuries of repertoire showcasing the king of instruments in all its glory.

What’s past was yesterday’s future. In this week’s program we take look in both directions by summing up happenings in the year 2002 and projecting our future into the new year. We’ll have snapshots from a European tour, birthday celebrations for some noted composers, a few highlights from superb concerts we’ve attended, and reflections on important personalities who have gone to their reward. Trumpets sound forth, ancient pipes sing out, and persuasive personalities make the case for the King of Instruments as we celebrate the New Year and savor highlights from the Old. This week we take our annual look back & forward by pondering the pages in An Organist’s Yearbook.

Tune in as we look at battle music. Quite the opposite of peace pieces, this collection chronicles the strife between good and evil.

…composer William Bolcom provides glimpses into the creation of these beguiling re-imaginings of familiar American tunes.

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

…these gifted youthful performers have earned awards during the last four National Young Artist Competitions in Organ Performance sponsored by the American Guild of Organists.

…musical tributes to composers who achieved significant birthday anniversaries during this and other recent months.

…from three centuries of compositions, an overview of the 'old-world' organ art as practiced in the 'new world'.

…revisiting laureates of the American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance, and other contests.

…a centenary tribute to one of America’s most original composers, and profoundly influential musicians, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990).

…on this first broadcast of a new Pipedreams series, host Michael Barone surveys the musical and historic variety of the pipe organ, while sampling recent recordings. The emphasis is on the unusual and the unusually attractive, with wide-ranging choices covering many musical styles, performers, and instruments.

…a collection of works on the theme of Pentecost.

…whether inspired by hymn tunes or mere caprice, American composers approach the pipe organ in refreshingly diverse ways.

…in celebration of American Music Week, diverse organ works by American composers.

…A visit with American performer and recording producer Frederick Hohman, with a sampling of his excellent wares.

…A survey of recent recordings.

A delightful demonstration of the diverse flavors of home-grown organ compositions.

Sorrowful and reassuring meditations for a time of stress and uncertainty.

…whether inspired by hymn tunes or mere caprice, American composers approach the pipe organ in refreshingly diverse ways.