a profound reflection upon the saga of Christ’s crucifixion, a progression through fourteen poems by Paul Claudel with originally-improvised musical commentary by Marcel Dupré.
There’s something for everyone on our next Pipedreams broadcast. We’ll feature everything from charming Renaissance dances played on a restored instrument from the early 1500s to an improvised waltz that’s only a few months old. Our sampler of current CDs includes the sound of the largest church organ in New England and works by Bach played on an instrument from his time and territory. We’ll light up the dawn with a poem perfectly fitted to a venerable Skinner organ in one of Detroit’s once-fine neighborhoods, reminisce about the early days of Pipedreams broadcasts with a piece we premiered here, and savor the splendor of a Vierne Symphonic Finale played in grand manner on a near-perfect organ in Toulouse.
From Dupré to Dirksen, and Willan to Walton, it’s a variety sampler of the best new organ compact discs, with profound preludes, delicious dances, and scintillating sorties. To keep up with the recent and the remarkable, we’re Going On Record with new releases in review, this week on Pipedreams.
Choirs and instruments together celebrate the Easter Festival on our next Pipedreams program, a joyous collection of music for the Spring Awakening. Gerre Hancock leads the singers from Saint Thomas Church in New York City, Davitt Morony explores early 17th century French works, while David Fuller and friends present an entire organ symphony on an Easter theme.
Tendrils of tone waft heavenward as we rejoice in the reawakening energy of spring with works by Widor and Bach, plus contemporary improvisations and fantasies with a new vision. Verses and variations, fantasies and festivity, everything from Gregorian chants to electric guitars blend their songs in an uplifting surge He is Risen a resurrection rouser, this week on Pipedreams.
He was the big cheese in the French organ world of one hundred years ago, and on our next Pipedreams broadcast we celebrate his legacy with a composite performance of his most famous work. Although he wrote 10 solo organ symphonies, his Number V has always been the most popular, because of its famous concluding Toccata.
We’ll hear the entire work, each movement played by a different soloist on a different instrument, plus another symphony, for organ and orchestra, a rare gem presented in concert at the American guild of Organists Convention in Atlanta. Hear the lavish and lovely compositions of Charles-Marie Widor a toast to King Widor this week on Pipedreams.
The pipe organ of 19th century France offered players a virtual symphonic soundscape, and this week we’ll listen to a pair of works that exploit those resources to the full. Charles-Marie Widor at the Church of Saint Sulpice, was the first to thoroughly articulate a symphonic organ style, creating scores rich in color and virtuosity. Widor’s pupil and colleague, Louis Vierne at Notre Dame Cathedral, increased the emotional intensity of the genre to embrace passion, heartbreak and rage.
Nine soloists on as many instruments play the Fourth Symphonies by this pair of famous composers, creating the grandest sort of sonic experience. We’re not kidding when we say it’s as simple as Four by Four.
Ten players tackle first symphonies by two famous blind Frenchmen, Louis Vierne [1870-1937] and Jean Langlais [1907-1991]. Featured Organs
Famous names may dominate the scene, but these often overlooked composers demonstrate a remarkable degree of individuality and imagination.
…a three-century collective of composers provides a colorful package for our holiday pleasure.
…celebratory music for choirs and instruments in observance of the springtime Christian Easter.
…between Marseille and Toulouse, we audition some of the instruments to be visited during our spring tour in the south of France.
…celebratory and contemplative scores explore the energy of the springtime festival of rebirth.
…timeless musical gifts from many hands and many lands celebrated the festival of Christmas.
…a second tribute to the famous blind French organist, master improviser and prolific composer, featuring performances and comments by his students, friends and wife.
…composite performances of the most famous of all organ symphonies (by Charles-Marie Widor), and its somber companion-challenger (by Louis Vierne).
…a multi-performer, multi-venue presentation of Marcel Dupré’s provocative and profound musical interpretation of Paul Claudel’s vivid fourteen-poem cycle, Le Chemin de la Croix.
…a tribute some masters of the past, composers with significant anniversaries this year.
…celebrations and reflections for the Easter season.
…celebrations and reflections for the Easter season.
…Holiday Garlands....sparkling and colorful arrangements of familiar melodies.
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…Probing and poetical musical impressions for Holy Week.
…from triumphal entry through trial and tribulation to redemption, a collection of liturgical and other music of ceremony and spirituality.
…three unusual tributes to the memory and the mighty genius of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Spirited and creative variants on themes of heavenly grace.
