1965 Flentrop organ at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, WA

On this week’s show, we’ll assess the not inconsiderable accomplishments of three talented offspring who made their own way in the world of music. Wilhelm Friedemann was considered Germany’s foremost organist. Johann Christian converted to Catholicism, studied in Italy, and ended up as the most celebrated import, after Handel, on the London scene. And Carl Philip Emmanuel, after a period of royal servitude, became music director for the city of Hamburg, a job his father lusted after but never himself achieved. Boys will be boys, but when your father is Johann Sebastian Bach there are certain standards to be met, and a degree of individual independence to be sought. Hear the the works of three talented offspring the Sons of ‘B’ music by The Bach Boys, this week on PIPEDREAMS.

If this music makes you think of weddings and beautiful brides, you’re right on target. This broadcast is a collection of preludes, processionals and other pages in praise of matrimony and the emotions and circumstances which lead us to the altar. Whether it be Handel’s Hornpipe or Mendelssohn’s familiar Wedding March, a Salute to Love by Elgar, or Duke Ellington’s In a sentimental mood, you’ll be amazed by the various ways composers have dealt with love and its ramifications. Trumpet tunes and blessings, salutes to love and lullabies, it’s all part of the package when two people tie the knot at a June wedding, and we provide the music appropriate to a chapel or cathedral creating Matrimonial Magic.

This week we’ll examine the styles of a teacher and his student. Horatio Parker was traditionally schooled in 19th century Germany. A true Romantic. His devilishly talented upstart student Charles Ives, on the other hand, thought nothing of having a choir sing a hymn in one key while he accompanied in another. Despite their differences, American music would not be what it is today without both of them. Parker created lovely works of fine craftmanship while Ives chartered new territory. Tradition becomes transition at the turn of the 19th century. Hear the contrasts between the old guard and one very enterprising student who brought a uniquely individual voice to 20th century American music. This week, it’s Parker and Ives.

Ours is a pilgrim’s progress of sorts, traversing a year in retrospect and looking into the future. Join us as we take measure of the year 2003 and celebrate the art of the organ and its practitioners the builders, players and composers whose lives contribute so much to our experiences each week. We’ll play some recent compact discs, share shapshots of a trip to Italy, honor the memories of those who have passed to their rewards, and prognosticate a bit about what might come along in 2004.

Or Woman Composers for the Organ, a survey of some interesting works by some interesting people.

…trace the evolution of this powerful compositional format from its beginnings as a suggestive street ‘dance’.

…from festival hymns to far-out fantasies, a further foray into our native-born repertoire for the ‘King of Instruments’.

…with inspired hymns, concertos, anthems and organ solos, we reflect on the work of England’s remarkable Wesley dynasty…Charles, Samuel and Samuel Sebastian.

…the King of Instruments speaks clearly, whether in consort with a single additional instrument, or roaring in chorus with a full symphony orchestra.

…an ongoing tribute to some of our native composers who know how best to exploit the pipe organ’s colors and agility.

…a diverse collection of other musical friends teams up with the King of Instruments to make a glorious noise.

…the splendid sound of organ music in American cathedrals in Seattle, San Francisco, Wilkes-Barre, Toledo, Buffalo and the Twin Cities.

…a time for celebration, reflection, and projection of expectations for the new season ahead.

…a diverse collection of other musical friends teams up with the King of Instruments to make a glorious noise.

…performers, composers, arrangers, and instrument builders join in providing music for the holiday celebration.

…a focus on female practitioners of the organ art, featured as recital soloists and composers (sometimes simultaneously).

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

…the splendid sound of organ music in American cathedrals in Seattle, San Francisco, Wilkes-Barre, Toledo, Buffalo and the Twin Cities.

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

…whether with a single trumpet or in the context of a full brass ensemble or band, the pipe organ will prevail.

…the brilliant collaboration of brass ensemble and the King of Instruments is featured in mostly American music.

…these works on classical Greek themes remind us that it was a Greek engineer, Ctesibius, who invented the pipe organ more than 2300 years ago!

…though the pipe organ itself may seem big and ponderous, its music will have your toes tapping.

…though the pipe organ itself may seem big and ponderous, its music will have your toes tapping.