1997 Goulding & Wood organ at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana

The tradition of organ music in Christian community chapels dates back to the middle ages but, as you’ll discover on our next Pipedreams program, it’s still a very lively tradition. We’ll hear four instruments, three of them newly installed, play music both historic and modern. Buxtehude and Pinkham at Mount Saint Joseph Convent in Kentucky, Reger at Saint Norbert’s Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin, pieces by James Hopkins and Marius Walter premiered at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon, and works by James Primosh, Libby Larsen, and Maurice Duruflé recorded at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, star, as we sample new Sounds from Sacred Spaces. We celebrate the related arts of composition and instrument building with a program of new music on new pipe organ installations featuring the artistry of Cherry Rhodes, Ladd Thomas, Douglas Reed, David Heller, and Douglas Cleveland. Let the spirits soar to Sounds from Sacred Spaces, this week on Pipedreams.

This week is all about Music in Monasteries as we revel in the glorious sonorities of instruments old and new in abbey churches and convent chapels. Whether playing a Little Oboe Concerto at southern Germany, moderating a solemn mass in Provence, or celebrating new wine on the Indiana plains, these instruments resound in equal measure for prayer AND praise. Worship and the arts come together at Saint Meinrad, Indiana, Saint Maximin, Provence, and half a dozen other destinations where organ music enhances the life experience with beauty, grace and power. Hear works from four centuries as our tour bus takes us on the rounds, fueled by Abbey Gas.

…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.

…tantalizing treats and unusual music from sometimes unexpected sources for your holiday entertainment.

…the old boys in northern Europe showed the way, and others later followed with extravagant compositions that explore the stylus phantasticus manner.