Greetings!
*** OrganFocus News:
New links added.
** Orgel Ekeren
Website of the Forceville-organ (1711) in Ekeren, Antwerp, Belgium
http://www.orgelekeren.be/
** MPR PipeDreams Calendar
Link submitted by Michael Barone, the page represents a comprehensive
listing of organ events in Minnesota (and adjacent border areas)
http://www.pipedreams.org/calendar
=========================
*** Web News:
** Future for Pipe Organs secure in Europe
In a post from March 2006 (
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/message/50
) I wrote about a new European Union law about lead in products with
electrical components, which would undermine the pipe organ building
trade. Through action on the part of organ-biulders, petitions and
rallying the international organ community, the law has been amended
to pose no threat to pipe organs in Europe. The site Pipes For Organs
provides the details.
http://www.pipesfororgans.org
** Researchers find Bach's oldest manuscripts
"WEIMAR, Germany - The oldest known manuscripts of Johann Sebastian
Bach — handwritten copies of works by two other composers — have been
discovered in a library that was heavily damaged in a fire two years
ago"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14602322/
** Cathedral of the Madeleine hosts Organ Festival
"This year's festival begins with a performance by Rachel Laurin, a
noted composer and improvisation teacher."
http://www.sltrib.com/arts/ci_4243832
** Choir in Appeal to Find New Organ
"A Dutch choir about to sing at York Minster is appealing for help to
find a new instrument."
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1084&ArticleID=17288\
04
** Healesville piano man creates organ haven
CHINA: "Thanks to a retired Chinese-Australian piano teacher who has
lived in Healesville for 33 years, Gulangyu also has Asia's biggest
piano museum and will soon host the world's largest pipe organ
museum."
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/healesville-piano-man-creates-organ-haven/20\
06/08/18/1155408020632.html
** Trudy Pitts: Meeting the Next Keyboard Challenge
"On September 15, 2006, Trudy Pitts will have the distinction of being
the first jazz musician to perform on the spectacular new organ in
Verizon Hall, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in
Philadelphia, in a concert opposite the great singer Nancy Wilson. "
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22852
By the way, Allaboutjazz.com has many other articles about the Kimmel
Center organ, such as this profile:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=18420
Mervon Mehta, the Kimmel's Vice-President in charge of Programming,
has been actively promoting jazz using the Dobson organ, provided
that a jazz musician brave enough to play it comes forth. Type "kimmel
organ" into the site search box to see more articles.
=========================
Today's Organ Stop is:
Trompeta Magna
http://www.organstops.org/t/TrompetaMagna.html
Cheers,
Lana
Greetings!
** OrganFocus News:
* New link in Church Musician Resources:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=22
PraiseBuildings.com -- a large directory of services useful to
religious insitutions.
"From architects to web designers, we have everything you need to help
your house of worship prosper"
http://www.praisebuildings.com/
=========================
** Select Events:
* Aivars Kalejs at Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, NY
Sept.29 at 20:00 -- today!
Latvian organist Aivars Kalejs is the composer of the scintillating
Toccata on 'Allein Gott in de Hoh sei Ehr', introduced to us
brilliantly by his compatriot Iveta Apkalna.
http://www.organfocus.com/search.php3?eventID=8872
* Ruffatti Pipe Organ Dedication at Friendship Missionary Baptist
Church -- this is the largest pipe organ in an African-American
church. Recital played by R. Monty Bennett.
Nov. 18 at 18:00
http://www.organfocus.com/search.php3?eventID=8846
* Organ Crawl -- New York and Pennsylvania
The Chemung Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists invites you to an
organ crawl to Athens, PA, Binghamton, Owego, and Waverly, NY.
Oct. 21.
http://www.organfocus.com/search.php3?eventID=8846
=========================
** Web News:
* Pipe organ provides crown jewel for Ball State's world-class music venue
"Ball State is installing the crown jewel to its world-class Music
Instruction Building"
http://www.bsu.edu/news/article/0,1370,43969--,00.html
* Church celebrates
"EXETER -- After 14 months, renovations and installation of the new
pipe organ at Christ Church are complete."
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/exeter/09152006/nhnews-x-ex-church0915.html
* Organist Christie to Commemorate Death of Dietrich Buxtehude With
Concert Series
"James David Christie will present the complete organ works of
Dietrich Buxtehude in a cycle of eight concerts to commemorate the
300th anniversary of the composer's death."
http://www.holycross.edu/publicaffairs/features/2006-2007/christie_buxtehude
* 'Nosferatu' haunts audience with live organist
"About 950 people nearly filled the vaudeville era Long Center Theater
to be transported back to a time period when live music accompanied
the movies. "
http://www.purdueexponent.com/?module=article&story_id=1798
* A Horse Show Organist?
Yes, this breed exists:
http://www.blandcountynews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=BCM/MGArticle/BCM_Basi\
cArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149190724402
=========================
** Advertisements **
** 20% Off all G. Shirmer music titles at SheetMusicPlus.com!
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/a/featured.html?id=74105
Sale ends October 5, 2006.
See this and more sheet music titles at
http://www.organfocus.com/shop
------------------------------------------
** Free Estey to a good home
Know anyone looking for a 2-manual and pedal Estey reed organ? It
comeswith a blower and is in decent playing condition except for an
occasional dead note and some cyphers in the pedal (which is sort of
concave-radiating). Located in Merrimac, MA - haul it away and it's
yours (the house it's in is for sale).
Stoplist is:
Great: Clarinett 16'. Open Diapason 8', Dulciana 8', Trumpet 8'
Swell: Salicional 8', Voix Celeste 8'. Oboe 8', Flute 4', Tremolo
Pedal: Bourdon 16'. Dulciana 16'
Sw-Ped, Gt-Ped, Sw-Gt
Reply to owenbar@... for contact info.
------------------------------------------
** Arthur LaMirande has a new CD available:
A new CD of some of my past performances is now available for $25 postpaid.
1. Sept. 9, 2001 performance at the National Cathedral, Washington DC
a. Georg Trexler: Meditations on Themes from the Te Deum of Bruckner (1967)
b. Edouard Commette: three excerpts from Quatorze Pieces Breves*
c. Franz Schmidt: Chaconne
2. Historic recital of April 20, 1980, Church of the Holy Name of
Jesus, New York City, with Wagnerian soprano Virginia Brobyn.
a. Robert Carwithen: Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
b. Richard Wagner: Three excerpts from the Wesendonck Songs: Der
Engel (The Angel), Schmerze (Tears), Traume (Dreams).
The Washington performance was on the E.M. Skinner organ (with later
additions). I now understand that this historic organ is to be
replaced.
The Holy Name performance was on the historic 1938 77-rank
Whitelegg-Moller (then under restoration). One of the few major
extant examples of Whitelegg's work.
*The third piece is a fantasy on the French Christmas carol "Il est
ne, le divin enfant".
Contact: alamirande2001@...
------------------------------------------
** US Debut for Vic Searle's music
I am happy to announce that music from my catalogue of 275 organ
transcriptions will be published by Frog Music.
The first issue is of three lovely Japanese melodies which have been
quite popular with audiences at the International Organ Festival in
San Diego's Balboa Park, on the Spreckels Organ.
1. Lullabye of Itsuki, often sung around July 7 when the souls of
one's ancestors return to earth for a few days.
2. Moon over a Ruined Castle--an atmospheric piece, arranged by the
light of the moon while sitting on a rock in the midst of the ruins
of the Aoba Castle in Sendai, northern Japan.
3. Song of the Beach, very Westernized in harmony and melody, not
particularly Oriental, but a lovely tune.
If you are fortunate to have a MIDI sound module on your organ, you
may find the sounds of the koto, samisen and shakuhachi native
instruments which will increase the effectiveness of your
presentation. But a good Doppleflute and Harp will do also.
The preview of the book may be found at
http://www.lulu.com/content/362186
If you are interested in this work or my many other transcriptions
I can be contacted at:
vcsorgan@...
Hope you will enjoy the works I have done over the past 42 years.
Vic Searle in Tokyo.
------------------------------------------
* Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land to Host Saturdays at the Monastery
Washington, DC – (September 2006). Beginning September 23, 2006, a new
recital series will feature the glorious sounds of the Franciscan
Monastery's Lively-Fulcher pipe organ, as played by some the
Washington area's finest organists. Saturdays at the Monastery is a
free, 45 minute recital series that will begin at noon on the 2nd and
4th Saturdays of the month.
For more information call 202-526-6800, or visit www.myfranciscan.org
=========================
Today's Organ Stop is:
Sept-Terz
http://www.organstops.org/t/TerzSepta.html
Cheers,
Lana
Minako Tsukatani, organ and Marian Jaspers Fayer, flute recorded a cd in
the Bonifaciuskerk in Medemblik, Holland.
On the cd a World premiere, the "twee miniaturen voor fluit en orgel"
composed by Minako Tsukatani.
The Japanese organist Minako Tsukatani studied musicology at the
University for Fine Arts in Tokyo. After graduating in 1995 she
continued her studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Jacques van
Oortmerssen. In 2001 she also went on to study with Jean Boyer at the
Conservatoire Supérieure in Lyon, France.
In 2002 she completed her first degree and entered the post-graduate
program.
We went on to study at the Royal Conservatory in the Hague with Jos van
der Kooy where she completed her studies in 2005 with a second degree.
Minako also does improvisation techniques and composition . In her
improvisations and compositions she incorporates elements of traditional
Japanese music. Minako has given concerts in Japan, Norway and in
Holland.
Marian Jaspers Fayer (Amsterdam 1957) began her music studies at the
University of California Dominguez Hills. In 1977 she returned to
Holland to continue her studies at the Sweelink Conservatory in
Amsterdam with Pieter Odé. She recieved her Performance degree in
1983 and a year later her degree for Chamber Music. Besides teaching
Marian also plays regularly with different chamber music ensembles. She
nows plays with the flute quartet Quartetto Sereno, flute and harp duo
Orfeato and also frequently plays duo concerts with guitar, organ and
piano.
See (and hear): www.bonifaciuskerkmedemblik.nl/orgels
<http://www.bonifaciuskerkmedemblik.nl/orgels>
Rob van der Heijden
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am looking an Organist that knows some things about organs I have
questions about . I am also looking for Organ and theater organ mp3s I
am also looking for chimes and carillon mp3s. I am looking for an
Organist friend that I can talk to at any time if you can talk to me
please e-mail me at both chanchan79@... and
channinga@...
My messenger ids are:
MSN messenger: channinga@...
YAHOO messenger: channing28270@...
AOL messenger: channingashbaugh@...
I am on AOL and MSN messengers the most.
Channing
Greetings!
I have been made aware of an email scam that apparently takes
information from our organist listing on
http://www.organfocus.com/contents.php3 .
If you receive the email that looks like the email below, please do
not call any numbers listed on it. It is a scam and not originating at
OrganFocus.com.
Thank you for your attention.
Lana
====
Here is what the scam looks like:
DEAR FRIEND,
I am 62 yrs old Business man, I have once been an organist, I
Played Pipe organ, Mouth organ and Piano,
I came across your profile on this website
etc...
Greetings!
It's been a while and I apologize for the long silence. I have been
busy with my secular job search and finally started my new job at a
great dot-com company. During my first week, I had to fly to Seattle,
WA for training. Of course, the trip to the Pacific Northwest wouldn't
be complete without some organ experiences!
I was in luck. During my stay in Seattle, Diane Meredith Belcher was
to give her debut at Seattle Symphony's beautiful Watjen organ built
by C.B. Fisk. You can see the program and read program notes here:
http://www.seattlesymphony.org/symphony/buy/single/production.aspx?id=3507&src=t
How thrilling it was! My favorite was Guilain: Suite on the Second
Tone from Pieces for the Magnificat. With authentic sounds and pungent
harmonies, I was transported far away and wished the music would just
keep on flowing forth.
My purchased seat was in the Orchestra Center, but probably a bit too
close to the stage. I felt at times that some really deep and powerful
sounds were floating over me and not through me. I was right--after
the intermission, I moved further back, to where in my estimate the
sounds should be converging. And the Liszt "Ad nos, ad salutarem
undam" rumbled and shook the house! The Watjen possesses some powerful
voices, to be sure. The acoustics in the hall are very favorable,
especially if you sit toward the end and center.
Here is the stop list:
http://www.cbfisk.com/fisk_files/organs/op114_01.html
On my last morning in Seattle, I got the chance to visit and play the
organ at St. James Cathedral. I arranged the visit with the Cathedral
organist, Joseph Adam, to whom I am very grateful for the experience.
I came in, suitcase in tow, and Mr. Adam was most welcoming. The East
Apse 2000 Rosales organ was just marvelous, and Mr. Adam explained how
one console provides control for both the Rosales and the historic
1907 Hutchings-Votey located across the Cathedral in the West Gallery.
Separated by almost 100 years and many, many feet (the delay and the
reverb are something special!), the two organs actually work very well
together. I had 45 minutes all to myself to play and experiment, pure
bliss even though I didn't bring any music or organ shoes. How dearly
have I missed being able to do this!
Mr. Adam also gave me his lovely "L'Organist Parisien" CD, recorded at
the Cathedral.
Back home, as I was practicing my harpsichord, I had a revelation
(probably too loud a word, but it felt like one). The WTC prelude in
B-flat major, #21 in Vol. 2, would make a great show piece that's
super easy in the pedal and would wow your audience! I imagined it so
clearly: the first part played lightly on manual 1, with a silvery
sound, traipsing aroung the harmonies, until it comes tumbling down to
a sudden low pedal D at full chorus. Jolt! Then, continue on manual 2
with full chorus, those marvelous chords and recitative, using the
pedal to support the bass, and stay on the full sound until the end.
The dancing 3-voice fugue would sound great on the organ as wel,
although playing the lower voice on the pedals requires agility and
much practice. I am using it as a challenge to myself to get back into
shape.
Tim Smith's analysis of the fugue:
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/wtc/i21.html
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
=============================
Event Update:
The Ruffatti Organ Dedication at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
by R. Monty Bennett has been moved to November 17 atn 7 p.m. Please
make a note of it.
http://www.organfocus.com/search.php3?eventID=8846
=============================
YouTube now has quite a collection of interesting organ videos. But
today, I found this: playing Pachelbel on a Hydraulophone. If you ever
dreamed of playing music while in the shower, you will enjoy this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgU0OZkGhGI&mode=related&search=
=============================
Today's Organ Stop is:
Hedeiaphone
http://www.organstops.org/h/Hedeiaphone.html
Cheers,
Lana
----- Original Message -----
From: "A.Peitz" <Alfons.Peitz@...>
To: <kantorat.nordbaden@...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 12:22 PM
Subject: Fw: Johannes Mathias Michel
> Für Herrn Michel,
> Information über ein Orgelkonzert in Seatle mit Werken von Herrn Michel.
> Die untenstehende Mail ging an die Kirchenmusikliste.
> Viele Grüsse!
> Peitz,Rastatt
>
>
>> Hallo,
>> beim Stöbern im Internet fand ich eine Notiz zu einem Konzert in Seatle.
>> Vielleicht ein Hinweis für die, die sich mit ähnlicher Musik befassen
>> (wahrscheinlich wissen die schon Bescheid). Ich habe die Beschreibung der
>> drei Choral Preludes zusammen mit der Adresse reinkopiert. Viel
>> Vergnügen!
>>
>>
>>
http://www.seattlesymphony.org/symphony/buy/single/programnotes.aspx?id=3507&src\
=t
>>
>> The vernacular has always found its way into music of the church. Since
>> the 1960s, gospel, jazz and pop have been used in the song repertoire of
>> the modern church. A particularly successful marriage of the traditional
>> and contemporary are to be found in the Choral Preludes of Johannes
>> Matthias Michel (b. 1962), as in his Organ, Timbrel and Dance, Three Jazz
>> Organ Preludes. The composer himself is music director of the Christus
>> Kirche in Mannheim, Germany, where it is still the tradition to improvise
>> preludes on the appointed chorales. Using three traditional Lutheran
>> chorales as the cantus firmus, the daring treatments are in various jazz
>> styles. Swing Five, with its walking bass line, seems inspired by Duke
>> Ellington. The second movement, Bossa Nova, is reminiscent of Antonio
>> Carlos Jobim, whereas the last movement is a boisterous tribute to
>> Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.
>>
>> Gruss, Alfons
>>
>> vernacular = Landes-, Muttersprache, einheimisch, muttersprachlich
>> timbrel = An ancient percussion instrument similar to a tambourine
>> (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/timbrel)
>
>
[A.I.O.C. - Associazione Italiana Organisti di Chiesa]
* * *
oggetto:
il nuovo arciprete di S. Pietro in Vaticano e tutti gli organisti della
Basilica
Cari Lettori,
la recentissima nomina del nuovo Arciprete della Basilica di San Pietro
in Vaticano nella persona dell’Arcivescovo Angelo Comastri, che
Benedetto XVI ha scelto lo scorso martedì 31 ottobre in sostituzione
del Cardinale Francesco Marchisano, ci dà occasione per portarVi a
conoscenza l'organico ufficiale degli organisti in servizio presso la
Basilica e, in particolare, di una delicata questione che ha suscitato,
nell'ambiente organistico ed ecclesiastico, un certo scandalo a livello
internazionale qualche mese fa, quando un collega organista, ha voluto
rappresentarsi nella falsa veste di Organista Pontificio per le messe
private di S.S. il Papa Benedetto XVI, oltre a quelle celebrate nella
Patriarcale Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano: tale figura di
organista privato del Papa non solo non esiste al momento, ma non è mai
esistita e, storicamente, non è stata mai prevista da nessun organico
pontificio.
L'Associazione Italiana Organisti di Chiesa deplora la condotta
inqualificabile del musicista, che mediante l'utilizzo di falsa
certificazione allo scopo di ottenere vantaggi personali, ha, per
effetto, riflesso una luce negativa sulla figura di tutti gli organisti
di chiesa italiani.
Contemporaneamente l'A.I.O.C. manifesta la propria solidarietà a tutti
gli organisti ufficialmente nominati che prestano diuturno servizio
nella Patriarcale Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, ovvero:
- Maestro James Edward Goettsche, organista titolare della Patriarcale
Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano nominato dal Capitolo della
medesima Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano e organista per le
Celebrazioni liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice.
- Maestro Gianluca Libertucci, organista nella Patriarcale Basilica di
San Pietro per il Vicariato della Città del Vaticano e organista
sostituto per le Celebrazioni liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice.
- Maestro Aurelio Porfiri, organista sostituto nella Patriarcale
Basilica di San Pietro per il Vicariato della Città del Vaticano.
- Maestro Padre Vittorino Serrao O.F.M., organista sostituto nella
Patriarcale Basilica di San Pietro per il Vicariato della Città del
Vaticano.
- Maestro Fabio Avolio, organista sostituto nella Patriarcale Basilica
di San Pietro per il Vicariato della Città del Vaticano.
Per evitare il ripetersi di analoghe incresciose situazioni
l'Associazione Italiana Organisti di Chiesa auspica che i Responsabili
delle chiese prendano in seria considerazione l’opportunità di
rilasciare un’idonea certificazione dei servizi musicali prestati da
parte dei nostri soci e colleghi organisti, secondo una precisa
modulistica di base che l'A.I.O.C., ben volentieri, si presta ad
elaborare in collaborazione con i detti Responsabili, al fine di
tutelare il profilo ministeriale, giuridico ed economico della figura
professionale dell’Organista di Chiesa.
Renato Negri, presidente
Paolo Bottini, segretario
* * *
ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA ORGANISTI DI CHIESA
via Emilia all'Ospizio n.62 - 42100 REGGIO nell'EMILIA
tel. 0522.555.392; fax 0523.82.56.17
Renato Negri, Presidente (cell. 339/3940620)
Paolo Bottini, Segretario (cell. 328/8123619)
conto corrente postale n. 10485423
sito internet http://www.organisti.it
p.e.: info@...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mandaci il tuo parere riguardo la nuovissima
CARTA DEGLI ORGANISTI: diritti e doveri dei musicisti di chiesa
http://www.organisti.it/carta_organisti.htm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hello, gang!
It's me again...
Need help. Does anyone have a copy of Louis Couperin's Chaconne in g
minor (there are two of them, the one I need begins with a d-minor
chord on the upbeat, goes to B-flat major chord on the downbeat, then
to E-flat major and so forth. A rather startling and effective piece.)
Poor me, I have just scheduled it for the Bach-and-pre-Bach Marathon in
Washington DC, but misplaced my copy. I used to play it often from
memory, so I almost never bothered to keep track of the music. This
time, for some reason all I can remember is that repeating rondo part.
Stupid, I know...
If anyone has a copy and is willing to share a PDF version of it, I'd
be eternally grateful.
Cheers!
Paul
Greetings!
Yes, I am still here. Apologies for the long silence.
During the last couple of months, I have been to two very enjoyable
organ recitals. The first was Stephen Tharp at St. Ignatius Loyola,
Jan 10. Complete program is listed here:
http://www.saintignatiusloyola.org/concerts/organ_home.07.html#jan10
The recital started off with the Toccata by David Aprahamian Liddle.
This was the first time I had heard his music, and I can't say I was
impressed. Maybe it was the combination of the excellent reverb at
St. Ignatius and the high speed at which Mr. Tharp launched into the
Toccata, but for a while I had trouble even deciphering the motif.
When I did understand the musical intention, I realized that it
wasn't very interesting harmonically and otherwise. The piece got a
lukewarm reception from the audience. I am, however, going to give
the composer the benefit of the doubt and look at his other music on
the site, which I invite you to do as well.
http://www.davidliddle.org/Op3.htmhttp://www.davidliddle.org/compositions.htm
The rest of the recital was superb. I particularly enjoyed the music
of Jeanne Demessieux, which I also hadn't heard before. The two
Meditations were sublime--Demessieux deftly translated water and
light into music, and Mr. Tharp's playing was transcendent.
Listening to this, I remembered Brazilian organist Domitila
Ballesteros and her informative book, Jeanne Demessieux's Six Études
and the Piano Technique. Read more about the organist and the book at
her website:
http://www.ballesteros.mus.brhttp://www.ballesteros.mus.br/book.html
The other piece that stands out in memory two months later is the
Variations-Etudes sur une berceuse by Rolande Falcinelli.
Unfortunately I have misplaced the program notes, but I remember that
she took a simple lullaby and gave it fresh, exotic treatment which
was highly enjoyable. I applaud Mr. Tharp for acquainting us with
lovely new music alongside the classics of organ literature.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolande_Falcinelli
Review of the second recital, by Arthur LaMirande, to come in part
two of this weekend special, later today.
==========================================
** OrganFocus News:
* New Links:
In Great Music Links:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=23
Olivier Messiaen site: The site includes a comprehensive database of
works by Olivier Messiaen and audio/visual resources as well as an up
to date listing of concerts, events and reviews.
[Editor's note: The web design and navigation needs major
improvement, but the information contained within is very interesting
and it's clearly a labor of love.]
http://www.oliviermessiaen.org/messiaen2index.htm
In Software:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=18
Java Microtuning Organ (JMTOrgan)
This easy-to-use program provides musicians the experience of playing
keyboard instruments in historical temperaments and at historical
pitches.
http://www.geocities.com/jeroendonkers/JMTOrgan/
[Editor's note: I have listened to the examples provided of various
temperaments and was blown away.]
In OrganBulders:
Neiland Organs
Neiland Organs is one of the foremost companies in 21st century
Ireland carrying out the sympathetic restoration of historic pipe
organs and also rebuilding instruments where necessity and expediency
require it.
http://www.neilandorgans.com/
In Personal Pages:
Jordan, Jeannine, DMA
Pro-Motion Music: Dr. Jeannine Jordan, concert organist, is devoted
to the promotion of the organ and its music
http://www.promotionmusic.org/
[Editor's note: Dr. Jordan offers a number of intriguing workshop
programs, for both old and young.]
* Correction: David Moran, producer of the Heiller at Harvard CDs,
sent in a corrected version of Christa Rackich's recollections about
Heiller. Read this and more here:
http://www.organfocus.com/music/heilleratharvard.php3
** Web News:
* Ranks of church organists dwindling
(includes video)
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_organist28.
40f286d.html
* Silent No More
"Understanding the almost-lost art of silent-film music with
organists Chris Elliott and Dennis James"
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/02.28.07/silent-film-music-0709.html
* 'Pied Piper of the Pipe Organ' draws in crowd with playing
"Part music lesson, part recital, part spirited lecture, Cj Sambach's
Pipe Organ Informance captivated a crowd of just over 100 people
Sunday afternoon."
http://www.gtherald.com/herald/2007/feb/14organ.htm
* Pipe organs in car commercials? You bet. Here is a clip from Acura,
featuring a Casavant being tuned.
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initPath=TL_Explore_PhotoVideoGallery!
type:video|num:2|prefix:tls
Complete thread on OrganForum:
http://organforum.com/forums/thread/29275.aspx
Interestingly, I have just discovered a site for Acura Casavant car
dealership, located in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec.
http://www.acuracasavant.com
Connection?
Cheers,
Lana
Greetings!
On Feb. 18, I went to listen to Arthur LaMirande's recital at All
Saints Church (Park Slope). I have been waiting for an opportunity to
hear him live for some time, as Mr. LaMirande and I have been in
communication for several years at this point.
The organ at All Saints is not a concert instrument by far: 2
manuals, about 25 ranks (maker unknown but suspected Delaware), and
in the words of the artist, with "the most clumsy and cumbersome
combination action system I've ever seen in my life". In his
foreword, All Saints organist Roger Castellani, even mentioned the
combination system as a source of woes. Mr. LaMirande, however,
attempted a full concert program, the execution of which was a
witness to his ingenuity. In my opinion, the organ also possesses
some really good voices and projects well into the room. The program
was as follows:
1. Cesar Franck: Prelude, Fugue and Variation
2. Louis Vierne: Triptyque
3. Vernon Murgatroyd: Meditation on the Gregorian chant for the Feast
of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
4. Bernard Piche': Hymn of Prais to the Blessed Marguerite Bourgeois
Intermission
5. J.S. Bach: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (from the Leipzig Chorales)
Wachtet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme (from the Schuebler Chorales)
6. Franz Schmidt: Two Chorale-Preludes
7. Jean Langlais: Trois Meditations sur la Sainte Trinite'
8. Bernard Piche': Postlude de Noel
Franck started and went on in a rather pedestrian fashion, and was
marred by the necessity to change stops manually mid-sentence. This
interrupted the flow of music on occasion.
With Vierne, Mr. LaMirande had presented thoughtful and masterful
playing. I very much enjoyed the Matines and Communion, and the
poignant Stele pour en enfant defunt brought me to tears.
Vernon Murgatroyd's Meditation was harmonically interesting and
pleasurable to listen to in the hands of Mr. LaMirande, who champions
the music of Canadian composers among others.
Canadian Bernard Piche's Hymn was brilliant, redolent of the French
school (he had studied with Tournemire) and a great concert piece.
Again, the challenges experienced in Franck with the unwieldy
combination action were inaudible this time. Mr. LaMirande played
with intellectual and spiritual passion, and strong execution.
The momentum of the first part of the recital was lost after the
intermission. Bach's Nun komm had too much rubato. Wachet Auf was on
the slow and softer side, and Mr. LaMirande's insistence on playing
the repeating line in the right hand using two different
registrations worked against him as he needed to flip switches back
and forth while playing the introduction. Music did not flow but went
in fits and starts. One of the concertgoers who nodded off during the
introduction woke up with a start once the cantus firmus came in,
which I suppose was true to the hymn's purpose!
After Bach, however, Mr. LaMirande again settled into a comfortable
zone with Schmidt, Langlais and another Piche' piece (in my opinion
not as effective as the first one). I thoroughly enjoyed getting
acquainted with so much new music, played with authority by Mr.
LaMirande.
Last week I have had the pleasure of lunch with the artist. If there
was one word I could characterize him with it would be "intense".
Possessed of an explosive character, knowing him and attending his
recitals is not for the faint-of-heart or casual listeners. Mr.
LaMirande can be bitter, negative, vindictive, and a number of other
unflattering adjectives. But at the same time, I admire his musical
depth and am glad he is around to play music that reaches the soul.
Please visit Mr. LaMirande's homepage at:
http://www.concertartist.info/bio/LAM001.html
Have a great week,
Lana
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
organfocus-newsletter group:
How often do you plan your vacations around visiting pipe organs or seek out
organs to play while on vacation?
o Always
o Most of the time
o Sometimes
o Never
o Vacation? What vacation?
To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/surveys?id=2457070
Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.
Thanks!
Hi All ...........
I wish to extend an invivation to all of you to attend the Third
American Classic Organ Symposium in Salt Lake City begining on
Wednesday April 18, 2007. The symposium continues until Sunday April
22, 2007. Featured will be the recently reopened Mormon Tabernacle
with its five manual 206 ranks Aeolian-Skinner, the five manual 130
ranks Schoenstein organ located in the LDS Conference Center, Gillian
Weir, Ken Cowan, lectures on related subjects (I am one of the
presenters). For more information please go to
www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/acos
That should give you as much or more information than you ever wanted
to know about this great event.
With warm regards,
Bill Hesterman
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
organfocus-newsletter group:
How do you feel about holding organ competitions on 100% digital/electronic
instruments?
o Support it
o Against it
o Don't care/Neutral
o Undecided
To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/surveys?id=2462840
Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.
Thanks!
Hello Folks,
Wondering if anyone out there has a copy of the unpublished transcription by
Jeanne Demessieux of Liszt's Les Funerailles.
I thought I had a good lead, but unfortunately that did not pan out. So now I
ask for your help!
If it is inconvenient to send a PDF, let me know and I will send you the cost
of postage.
With thanks,
Gregory.
________________________________________________________________________
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL
at AOL.com.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Greetings!
Today, member news and general interesting information.
* Aarnoud de Groen has added new videos to his site:
http://www.aarnouddegroen.com/
* Paul Ayres is releasing a new CD of of music by, or inspired by,
Georg Frideric Handel played on the Handel House chamber organ at St
George's Hanover Square, London. Please read the details and see the
order form in the files section of organfocus-newsletter:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/
* The St. Bartholomew Church Chorister Festival will take place on June
2 and 3, 2007. Read the information about this festival held in a
church with the largest pipe organ in NY in the files section:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/
* In my review of Arthur LaMirande's concert I neglected to mention
that he played the virtuosic Exsultet by Augustinus Franz Kropfreiter
(1936-2003) as his post-recital offering. Mr. LaMirande will start his
upcoming recital at St. Patrick's Cathedral with this piece. Read the
complete program notes for the April 29th recital at the files section:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/
* *Forest of Pipes* is the new book just published, about the
Rosales/Glatter Goetz organ at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The book is
excellent; my copy is made even more special by the fact that it's
signed by Manuel Rosales (by a personal request) and, I hope, will soon
be signed by Caspar Glatter-Goetz. Jennifer Zobelein provides
insightful interviews with the key people involved in making the dream
come true and with world-famous organists who describe their
experiences playing this amazing instrument. The book includes a Tonal
Tour bonus CD. Highly recommended!
http://www.amazon.com/Forest-Pipes-Disney-Concert-Organ/dp/1890449431/organfocus\
com
* Amazon.com has opened a Classical Blowout Music Store, with thousands
of titles $10 and under. See what amazing treasures you can unearth:
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=320031011&tag=organfocuscom
* A message from new member Bob Thompson:
The American premiere of selections from Petr Eben's work for organ and
narrator, "The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart" ,
improvisations describing scenes from Johann Comenius' (1592-1670) book of the
same title, was heard and filmed for television on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007
in Eugene, Oregon. The artist was Robert Thompson with narrator Michael Peacor
performing at Central Presbyterian Church in Eugene, which has a fine older
Reuter, the largest organ in Eugene. The audience was moved to tears by the
power of the narrations combined with Eben's organ music. Many commented that
it was the most powerfully moving organ program they had ever attended.
Thompson is available to present this program for anyone interested. Fees are
nominal and flexible. Contact btorgel@... for further information. A
website with a video of the performance will be available soon.
Have a great week,
Lana
Greetings!
*** Web News:
*
* Piping hot passion: Concert will honor organ enthusiast John Obetz
http://www.kansascity.com/232/story/68612.html
* Symphony program features restored Skinner organ
"To Cleveland organist Todd Wilson, next weekend's performances on the
Skinner organ in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle will be very much a
homecoming."
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/ART10/70414015/-1/ART
*** News from Salt Lake City:
*
* New organist chosen
"Andrew E. Unsworth has been appointed a full-time Tabernacle organist,
joining three other full-time and two part-time organists currently serving
on Temple Square"
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660211607,00.html
* Tabernacle organ gets a tuneup
"If you think the Tabernacle organ sounds a little different than it did a
couple of years ago, it isn't your imagination."
http://www.sltrib.com/entertainment/ci_5668776
* The American Classic Symposium starts this week on April 18.
http://www.lds.org/events/info/0,8197,726-1-614,00.html
*** Other Happenings:
*
* Last week I had coffee with Caspar Glatter-Goetz and his wife Carol, where
he signed my copy of Forest of Pipes. It was a special treat as I have known
him online for several years, and am a great fan of his firm's innovative
organbuilding. Caspar's article, "The Future of the Pipe Organ", has been
posted at my website seven years ago. I had a wonderful time discussing
music, travels and family life.
http://www.organfocus.com/members/gg-organs/organfuture.php3
* While waiting for a train one night, I saw a most spectacular musician on
the platform: Melissa "The Loud" Kacalanos playing her hurdy-gurdy. I loved
seeing the exotic instrument and hearing the pungent tunes accompanied by a
string drone. Melissa is a multi-faceted musician, dancer, and instructor.
Please visit Melissa's website to learn more about her and the music she
plays:
http://www.melissatheloud.com
On the subject of Subway musicians, Washington Post has this article you
will enjoy - guaranteed:
* Pearls Before Breakfast
"Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush
hour? Let's find out."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.\
html
===========
*A message from member Carol Williams:*
Carol Williams is working on a DVD series called "TourBus". Check out the
website www.melcot.com to see some previews. The series covers interesting
organs, places and people. Venues already included in the series are The
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles; The Spreckels Organ in
San Diego; Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers; St. Mary's Church in
Andover, England and Huddersfield Town Hall in England.
Dr. Carol Williams
carol@...
www.melcot.com
San Diego Civic Organist
Artistic Director of the Spreckels Organ Society
===========
*A message from member Vic Searle, Japan:*
Dear readers,
I am faced with the unhappy prospect of having to dispose of the pipework,
windchests, blower, rectifier and magnet drivers of an organ I donated 20
years ago to the Hi School where I taught.
The heart of the organ is Devtronix Electronic Tone Generation, but I added
three ranks of pipes when the new hall was built.
Now the hall is to be demolished to make way for a condominium. The new
school hall will have only a gym/auditorium and there is no way to install
the pipes.
What I have are:
one rank 61 notes Stinkens Principal 4'
one rank 73 Stinkens Bourdon 8', lowest five pipes stopped wood Hook &
Hastings
one rank 61 notes E.M. Skinner Salicional.
The pipes are voiced on 3.5" wind, provided by a 500 cfm, Spencer Orgoblo.
The Salicional and Principal are on one chest, the Bourdon on the other.
The action is direct electric, activated by a 30 amp rectifier through a
solid-state keying system.
I am hoping someone in Japan would take these off my hands, as I have no
place to use them or install in a location as I am still rehabilitating
in a nursing home after a paralyzing accident in 2002.
If sought by a US or foreign builder, of course crating and shipping would
be involved.
This material would be excellent for a home instrument, and I am open to
offers.
Vic Searle in Tokyo
e-mail: vcsorgan@...
==========
*A message from Fr. Aurelio Mulè Stagno sdb, Israel:*
*Restored Mader Organ in Jerusalem*
Dear Organist / Organ Lover,
I am pleased to announce to you that the restoration work on the Mader
pipe-organ in our Ratisbonne church has been completed. In the attachment
you will find some historical information about the instrument and the
announcement of its official Inauguration on Monday 9th April 2007, 6 pm.
Although not big, it is a fine instrument built by François Mader in 1893,
and has an interesting selection of 8' and 4' foot stops plus a 16' foot
Bourdon. Moreover, it blends beautifully in our church's acoustics. I am
adding the specifications of the instrument at the bottom of this message.
Please feel free to contact me about these events or to come at some other
time to see the instrument. Hopefully, you would also be willing eventually
to give a recital on it, or to play it on some special occasion.
Sincerely
Fr. Aurelio Mulè Stagno sdb
Music Director
---------
The Mader organ that has been restored was built in 1893 purposely for the
Ratisbonne Monastery. It is a relatively small instrument, with 600 pipes,
10 stops, 2 manuals and a 2-octave pedalboard.
Here is the list of the stops and accessories:
GrO: Montre 8' - Gambe 8' - Flute Harmonique 8' - Prestant 4' - Bourdon
Dessus 16' *
Sw: Trompette 8' - Quintaton 8' - Salicional 8' - Voix Céleste 8' - Flute
Octaviante 4'
Ped: Soubbasse (Bourdon Basses) 16'
3 foot levers for I-P, II-P, I-II and one for Tremolo
Swell Pedal
* The Bourdon 16' can be activated autonomously in the pedal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Studium Theologicum Salesianum | Salesian Monastery - Ratisbonne
26, Shmuel Ha Nagid Str. - P.O.B. 7336 - 91072 Jerusalem - ISRAEL
Tel. (972.2) 6259171 - 6257068 - Fax 6259172 - Pers. Mobile 0546.463843
aurelioms@...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=============
*A message from Joe Vitacco, JAV Recordings*
*Flash Video of Stephen Tharp playing Vierne at Our Lady of Refuge*
This Video was filmed March 10, 2007 at the console of the church's 25 rank
Kilgen, Opus 5163. This instrument was built to the design of Charles M.
Courboin. Construction was started on the organ in September of 1933 and
completed on November 30, 1933 "except console-awaiting shipping
instructions". It was shipped to the church in January of 1934 and the
church was dedicated in June of 1934. On Monday March 12, 2007 the Organ
Clearing House removed the organ from its chambers to protect its 1800 pipes
and mechanism from harm while major structural repairs are carried out in
the organ chambers and to the tower of the church.
If you just want to watch Stephen play Vierne's Carillon de Westminster or
if you might be interested in helping the parish fund this project click the
below link to my home page and enjoy a 10 minute flash video. Turn up your
speakers.
This was the pipe organ that sparked my interest in the instrument. Without
it, there would likely be no JAV Recordings.
http://www.pipeorgancds.com
=============
=============
Have a great week,
Lana
Friends,
* In my previous message I posted an announcement for inauguration
of the newly restored Mader organ in Ratisbonne Monastery,
Jerusalem, Israel. Of course, the date of the inauguration is
already past (April 9). Fr. Aurelio Mulee wrote that the event was a
total success with a packed house, some members of the audience left
standing. I hope that you will find this information useful should
you or someone you know be interested in performing at the Monastery.
* Cool Gadget Update:
"Feel the Beat" Metronome Watch -- a watch that lets you feel the
beat on your hand instead of trying to hear a click or see a light
flashing.
http://www.metronomewatch.com/
Cheers,
Lana
Associazione Italiana Organisti di Chiesa
Master-classes in Organ Literature and Improvisation
Cremona
23 July - 3 August 2007
COMPLETE INFO (In Italian):
web: http://www.organisti.it/corsi_estivi_CR_07.htm
mail: tecnico@...
Greetings!
I have been very busy and too tired to do any OrganFocus updates after a
long day, but the readers and site users kept sending me information,
articles for publication, and event correction requests -- for all of which
I am very grateful. Thank you for participating even when I could not.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** New Article at OrganFocus Newsletter:
Melodic-Harmonic Language in the Organ Music of Petr Eben
by Sabin Levi
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Articles/SabinL\
evi_PetrEben_042007/
(the folder contains the article in HTML plus accompanying image files)
As soon as I am able, I will put this on the OrganFocus-proper website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** To commemorate the 300th anniversary of Buxtehude's death (May 9), Carus
Verlag has launched a web quiz on his life and work. Those who answer all
questions correctly will be entered to win a new CD.
English: http://www.carus-verlag.com/QuizBuxtehude.en.html
German: http://www.carus-verlag.com/QuizBuxtehude.de.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** Naxos, the high-quality budget label, has launched Naxos Direct, a
website where you can browse their comprehensive catalog and purchase
recordings.
http://naxosdirect.com/
Here is their organ page:
http://naxosdirect.com/instrument/50403/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** What I am in love with right now:
Baroque Lute Music, Vol. 1:
Paul O'Dette plays works of Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger (c. 1580 – 1651) on
chitarrone (theorbo) and ten-course lute
http://www.amazon.com/Baroque-Lute-Music-Vol-1/dp/B000059WLD/organfocuscom
Listen to the Toccata Arpeggiata (first in the sampler listing) - the
harmonic progression is sublime. The rest of the disc is also very good.
Paul O'Dette is a true master of his art.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
*** Member Messages: ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** Arthur LaMirande has returned from Singapore. He writes:
"On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, Arthur LaMirande of New York City presented a
2-hour recital at the historic Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (R.C.) in
Singapore --- a designated National Monument in that country. This was the
first major organ recital to take place there since 1984, and the first
since the completion of th organ restoration by German-trained Robert
Navaratnam, Singapore's one and only organ builder.
Playing to a packed house, Mr. LaMirande was projected on to a motion
picture screen during the performance, so that the audience --- most of whom
were unfamiliar with organs and organ music --- could observe first-hand
what an organist actually does. The Cathedral organist, Alphonsus Chern,
gave an introductory talk preceding the recital and delivered further
remarks during the intermission.
The program consisted of works by Franck, Vierne, Murgatroyd, Piche', Bach,
Langlais, and Alain. Assisting at the console --- which is still without a
combination action --- was Lin Yangchen of Singapore.
The original organ was constructed by the English firm of Bevington and
installed in 1912. Additions were made over the years, including ranks from
the pre-World War II organ in the Victoria Concert Hall, and more recent
additions by Robert Navaratnam. The organ now comprises 28 ranks; but in
the superb acoustics of the Cathedral, it sounds like a much larger
instrument.
The Rector of the Cathedral, Fr. Adrian Anthony, congratulated the
performer following the recital. The Director of Music is Sir Peter Low,
KCSG."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
** Vic Searle writes:
Dear Forum readers
I'm about to wind up the assembly of my book of organic anecdotes, etc, but
I still would like to have more input.
Some of the catgegories are:
WILD WEDDINGS
FUNNY FUNERALS
BULLETIN BLOOPERS
HILARIOUS HYMNS (parodies)
STOP ME IF...........(crazy stops and specs)
LITURGICAL LAFFS
DAFFY DEFINITIONS
VIRGIL VIGNETTES
LAUDABLE LIMERICKS
ORGANIC POEMS (no alliteration, sorry)
CRAZY CARTOONS
I'm also looking for the poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes, THE ORGAN BLOWER,
and the want ad for an organist for a hypothetical temple in India, an
organist with six arms, and the promise of not being re-incarnated as a
church musician.
I had these but they have disappeared into cyberspace, and I'd love to have
them again.
Also I want to express my gratitude to the many friends who did send me
material, but still want more.
Am I being too selfish?
Thanks in advance.
Vic Searle in Tokyo
vcsorgan@...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-----------------------------
Have a great week,
Lana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Greetings!
I hope you've been enjoying your summer. I have been busy with work
and family and preparing for an upcoming small recital -- more about
that below. I want to point out a link in the links section, below,
which is very dear to me -- Sasha Kantsberg's site. Enjoy!
ORGANFOCUS NEWS:
** OrganPROMOTION is releasing a CD/DVD honoring Daniel Roth in
September. Interviews with Daniel Roth in English and French and the
DVD jacket may be viewed at this URL:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/OrganPROMOTION/\
DanielRoth_DVD/
** Liudmila Matsiura sent me these videos of the First International
Organ Festival in Alcala de Henares (Madrid, Spain):
The first concert - GUY BOVET (Switzerland)
http://www.musicaenalcala.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=355&Item\
id=58
The second concert - LIUMILA MATSYURA (Russia)
http://www.musicaenalcala.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=360&Item\
id=58
** Photos and program from Domitila Ballesteros' concert at XXI
International Organ Festival of Montevidéu can be viewed here:
http://www.ballesteros.mus.br/pages/ingles/uruguay-ing.html
** NEW LINKS:
In Church Musician Resources:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=22
**Hymns on the Pipe Organ - The site aims to provide quality hymn
accompaniments for congregational singing. Public Domain hymns only,
and as such are provided free of charge. All MP3 files (320 bits
compression) can be freely downloaded.
http://www.hymns-organ.com/
--------------------------------------------
In Choral Resources:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=1
** Composer Lior Navok - Music for orchestra, chamber music, choir, and more.
http://www.liornavok.com/
** Sasha Kantsberg (Israel) - Official Website of Alexander (Sasha)
Kantsberg – Choir Conductor, Big Band Leader, Teacher, Saxophonist and
Arranger
http://www.kantsberg.com/
Sasha Kantsberg was my beloved conductor when I sang in a children's
acapella choir in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. He is an extremely talented
arranger, imaginative jazz musician, and most importantly (to me) a
brilliant, inspiring choir conductor. I owe so much to him as a
musician. To see old photos of our choir performing at the St.
Petersburg capella and other venues, click here:
http://www.kantsberg.com/gallery.htm
There is also a video made from a movie about our choir, which was
shown on Russian National TV in 1989:
http://www.kantsberg.com/cd.htm -- scroll down to Video Tapes and
click on Prelude (documentary film about Alexander's work with
Children's Choir) – Rostov, Russia 1989
--------------------------------------------
In J.S. Bach sites:
http://www.organfocus.com/links/index.php?CID=10
Why Bach? - Why Bach? is an online appreciation of Bach's genius for
the general reader. It features notated musical examples that play as
a cursor follows along. Lively, incisive commentary uses colored text
to call attention to specific events in the examples, giving the
non-music reader a window into Bach's incomparable art.
http://whybach.crosstownbooks.com/index.php
Lana's review:
I have looked at the free examples and loved the commentary. My only
gripe is that all music is played back via software, which makes it
sound kind of... dead. Especially since the aim of this project is to
open the world of Bach to the general readers, it would have
benefitted immensely from including clips of real performers playing
on real instruments.
WEB NEWS:
** Arthur LaMirande sent a link to this NY Times article.
Unfortunately at the time I am writing this newsletter, the article is
no longer free.
Newspapers Trimming Classical Critics
Classical music criticism, a high-minded endeavor that has been around
at least as long as newspapers and reached an English-language peak
with George Bernard Shaw, has taken a series of hits in recent months.
Critics' jobs have been eliminated, downgraded or redefined at
newspapers in Atlanta, Minneapolis and elsewhere ...
http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3061EF734540C7A8CDDAF0894DF4044\
82
TRAVEL NEWS:
In a couple of weeks, I am going to be playing a small all-Bach
recital in Nantucket, MA.
The program:
Prelude XXI from Well-Tempered-Clavier vol 1
Schuebler-Chorales:
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645
Wo soll ich fliehen hin BWV 646
Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 649
Orgelbuchlein:
O Mensch, bewein dein Sunde gross BWV 622
Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist BWV 651a
Fugue from Toccata and Fugue in F, BWV 540
Comments/feedback on the program are welcome.
Thanks and have a good week!
Lana
Dear list members,
Does anyone happen to have the full text to "While shepherds washed their
socks by night"?
As many of you know, I am writing a book ORG-ANTICS, a collection of
side-splitters about all things organic, anecdotes, limericks, cartoons,
parodies etc.
I'm trying to wind this up so I can get it out by Christmas. I am still
hoping for more funnies from the esteemed members of this list.
As I have said before, I will send to all contributors, a PDF¡¡of music
from
my catalog of reprints, arrangements and transcriptions. It now numbers 304
pieces (right now finishing up the overture to NORMA by Bellini) which I
have been engraving since 1996.
I'll send, in gratitude, one piece for every anecdote-- Wild Weddings,
Funny Funerals and Liturgical Laffs are especially welcome.
If you do not have my catalog, please request it when you send your gem to
me so you can choose your gift piece.
Organically yours,
Vic Searle in Tokyo (who will return to the Mitsukoshi Wurlitzer from
October after an absence of five years.)
Dear friends,
Carol Williams has a new DVD out, called "TourBus". Please read about it below.
Contact: Stan Tiger, 858-610-3944,
For Immediate Release
Music, Travel & Surprises on Concert Artist's New DVD
In spite of many years of training and hard work, being an
international concert pipe organist has its rewards. Titled "TourBus",
Dr. Carol Williams' new DVD takes us along on her adventures as a
touring performer playing the great organs of the world.
The DVD is the first of a travel series with excerpts seen on
CarolWilliamsNow.com. Fine camera work by videographer/fiance, Kerry
Bell, include her varied repetoire of Brahms, Khachaturian, Widor,
Jenkins and a unique work for foot pedal by Denis Bedard.
Her side trips bring us to Stone Henge, Shakespeare's Pub and a farm
in Wales to bottle feed lambs and baby sheep. Carol, a lover of
animals, donates a portion of the proceeds of "TourBus" to the Humane
Society.
Also featured are interviews with New York Times editor and organ book
author, Craig Whitney, renowned pipe organist, Carlo Curley and Jerry
Sanders, Mayor of San Diego, where Carol plays the city's Spreckels
Organ – the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
TourBus is a musical treat and an adventure in travel. It shows that
being a concert musician is not all work and lots of play.
For more information, and see a trailer, go to http://www.carolwilliamsnow.com
####
Forwarded message from Fr. Aurelio Mulè:
Dear Friends at OrganFocus,
I am pleased to announce that the Salesian Community in Ratisbonne is
organizing an organ recital which will take place in a few days' time
at the church of the Ratisbonne Monastery,
Wed. 10 October 2007 - 6.30 pm. - Please see the link:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/ratisbonne_10102007.doc
It is worth noting that this is actually the first full organ recital
- devoted entirely to solo organ playing - since the Mader pipe-organ
was restored and inaugurated last April 2007.
We look forward to welcoming you. Feel free to bring along any
relatives and friends.
Fr. Aurelio Mulè Stagno sdb
Music Director
P.S. The same organist, Vincent de Pol, will be giving another recital
3 days later on the Rieger organ of St. Catherine's Church in
Bethlehem. For those fortunate enough to be able to enter Bethlehem,
that concert is on Sat 13th October at 8 pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Studium Theologicum Salesianum | Salesian Monastery - Ratisbonne
26, Shmuel Ha Nagid Str. - P.O.B. 7336 - 91072 Jerusalem - ISRAEL
Tel. (972.2) 6259171 - 6257068 - Fax 6259172 - Pers. Mobile 0546.463843
secretary.ratisbonne@... - aurelioms@...
Dear Friends,
I have had a fantastic time in Nantucket, with a vacation week
consisting of organ practice and outdoors time, culminating in an
all-Bach recital at st. Paul's Episcopal Church for an audience of 95.
During the week I grew to know and love the 100-year-old
Hutchings-Votey tracker, and hopefully soon I will be able to transfer
some of the pieces I played that day from tape into digital format to
share. On the following Sunday I was also the guest organist for two
services, where I had a chance to play my favorite Bach for the
prelude, communion and postlude.
I have also had a chance to visit some other historic instruments on
the Island: Goodrich organ at the Unitarian Church (lovely and very
different from the H-V), and the Appleton at the Methodist church
(organ locked at the time of my visit and is slated for a
reconstruction starting later this fall).
St. Paul's music director Joe Dudzinski did an excellent job of
publicizing the recital. An ad ran in the local papers for 3 weeks
preceding the recital, and he pasted posters at public places
including pharmacies and anouncement stands. An early version of the
poster mentioned the recital, my name, the date and a link to one of
my mp3's on OrganFocus.com. The later version also included the
complete program.
Here is the program, again:
* Prelude XXI from Well-Tempered-Clavier vol 1
* Schuebler-Chorales:
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645
Wo soll ich fliehen hin BWV 646
Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 649
*Orgelbuchlein:
O Mensch, bewein dein Sunde gross BWV 622
* Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist BWV 651a
* Fugue from Toccata and Fugue in F, BWV 540
Here is a link to the ad that ran in the newspapers;
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/LK_recital_StPauls_09082007.pdf
Here are my vacation photos - enjoy! (lots of Nantucket houses and
vistas up top, scroll down to see the organ photos)
http://picasaweb.google.com/organaut/LanaNantucket?authkey=gC7nxWmE3JU
Link to St. Paul's Church:
http://www.stpaulschurchnantucket.org/
Why Nantucket? I was inspired by Peter Sykes' CD, "A Nantucket Organ
Tour" to come and spend some quality time with historic instruments on
this whaling port island, and I had a whale of a time :)
http://www.amazon.com/Nantucket-Organ-Tour-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B000004AMA/organf\
ocuscom
========================================
** OrganFocus.com site undergoing redesign
Sometime later this year, you will see OrganFocus.com in its new
incarnation. Lots of changes will take place, making the site more
dynamic and easy/convenient to use. Here is your chance to let me know
what you'd like to see on the site! It means a lot to me to hear your
thoughts.
========================================
** Protecting an organ from visual "destruction"
Please visit the link below to read and sign the a petition concerning
the conflict on the design of the great organ in St. Nikolai's Church,
Halmstad, Sweden.
"The undersigned - who are all organ experts, church musicians,
concert organists, organ professors, organ builders or in other
respects engaged in the art of the organ - hereby appeal to the
Committee of the County Administration Board to withdraw the demand by
the Senior County Antiquary (ultimately Custodian of National
Monuments) to reinstate the façade of the previous organ."
http://www.halmstadorgel.se/english.html
========================================
** Improvi-Palooza
Celebrate the art of organ improvisation with a series of
masterclasses with Robert Ridgell, Gerben Mourik; Sophie Veronique
Couchefer-Choplin, Otto Kraemer, and Robert Houssart in New York City.
The event runs from October 15th through the 19th at St. Michael's
Episcopal Church in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Information for
the improvisation festival can be found at:
http://www.improvipalooza.org
========================================
** A new CD of the Silbermann organ in Freiberger Dom has been
released by Querstand. Read about it here:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/Querstand_VKJK_0719_engl.pdf
========================================
** Hynm-Tune Variations for Organ
Drew Krause (drkrause@...) writes:
Hello organists,
Ten new sets of organ variations on hymn-tunes (full scores in pdf
format) are now available for free download at
www.wordecho.org/organ/index.html
Carlisle Variations
Dover Variations
Duke Street Variations
Fairfield Variations
Hanover Variations
Hesperus Variations
Lancashire Variations
Royal Oak Variations
Southwell Variations
St. Frances Variations
Each set of variations is between six and twenty minutes duration and
is based on a traditional four-part chorale setting. The variations
are a mixture of traditional and experimental approaches to the
material.
I would love to hear from any organists who are interested in
performing these pieces. You can learn more about me as a composer at
www.wordecho.org.
Best wishes,
Drew Krause
=======================================
** Women in Classical Music book!
Anne Gray(annegray@...) writes:
Dear Friends
You are either IN the book, or know people who are in it~~~~SO Here is
the opportunity to get your 1st Edition author-autographed copies NOW!
The Prize you are getting:
The WORLD of WOMEN in Classical Music by Dr. Anne Gray - 1072 pages -
Pulitzer Prize and ASCAP Deems Taylor Award Nominations! An amazing
book! The result of over twelve years' research, The WORLD of WOMEN in
Classical Music, by Dr. Anne K. Gray, fulfills every expectation in
the uniqueness of its packed 1072 pages! A sequel to her The Popular
Guide to Classical Music, this new treasure trove of knowledge is
filled with biographies of famous and lesser known pioneers over the
centuries. A fantastic compilation of historical facts and present day
information, thoroughly researched and extremely well-written, the
book verifies that women have been continuously composing and
performing through the ages. They also made and continue to make their
mark as conductors, and have captured the stronghold of musicology,
writing and teaching in the academia. The unique section on women's
activities in the Business of music, breaks new ground, highlighting
such positions as orchestra managers, opera company directors,
publishing and recording company executives, success as agents and
impresarios, plus a myriad of other roles. In the final chapter, Dr.
Gray pays tribute to The Unforgotten, lady philanthropists whose
generosity has kept classical music alive. Each entry in the book
gives biographical, personal glimpses of talented women who defied the
limiting social conventions to forge a path for themselves and future
generations. The book covers every musical era from Ancient-Medieval
to the 21st century––always within the context of historical events.
Containing photographs, illustrations, an intensive bibliography,
discography, glossaries, appendices and 26 pages of index, this
exceedingly professional work manages to present its wealth of
information in an interesting style, full of wit and brilliance, yet
never skimping in depth of scholarship. With this definitive,
scintillatingly powerful volume, Dr. Gray has drawn back the veil
enshrouding women in music throughout history, revealing a detailed
and colorful tapestry of their world. A must have for libraries,
university music and women's studies departments, students, teachers,
classical music and history lovers! Global in scope, the book
highlights women from North and South America, Europe, Russia plus its
new independent satellites, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and even
Iceland.!
As of this writing, The WORLD of WOMEN in Classical Music, is in line
for both the ASCAP Deems Taylor Music Award and a Pulitzer Prize.
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/organfocus-newsletter/files/Announcements-P\
R/WomenClassicalMusic_Flyer-Resv_Wm.doc
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have a great week!
Lana
Dear friends,
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful 2008, full of great organ music
and lots of joy.
Happy New Year!
Lana
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hello , dear friends !
I have a new edition of my web homepage and I hope you it will be
interesting for ...organ people.
www.liudmilamatsyura.com <http://www.liudmilamatsyura.com> Well come
to my homepage!
Best wishes and lot of nice music for next year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! [:)]
Liudmila Matsyura,
organist titular of the Cathedral-Magistral in Alcalá de Henares
(Madrid)Spain.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Send Email
