1928 Skinner; 2008 Schantz organ at Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
1928 Skinner; 2008 Schantz organ at Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Photo–Jeremy Farmer

At Rockefeller Chapel #0937

Performances from inaugural season concerts featuring the University of Chicago’s recently renovated 1928 Skinner organ.

Hour 1

WILLIAM HENRY HARRIS: Coronation Fanfare. SIR HUBERT PARRY: Coronation Anthem, I was gladUniversity of Chicago Choirs, James Kallembach, conductor; Thomas Weisflog, organ; recorded June 7, 2008

J.S. BACH: Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist, BWV 667; Christ, unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 684. OLIVIER MESSIAEN: The gifts of the spirit and Sortie, from Messe de la Pentecote. –Dame Gillian Weir; recorded October 2, 2008

SAMUEL BARBER: Adagio for Strings –Thomas Murray; recorded October 19, 2008

LEO SOWERBY: Passacaglia, from Symphony in G –Thomas Weisflog; recorded October 6, 2008

Filler –FRANÇOIS COUPERIN: Recit de tierce en taille, from Messe pour les CouventsDame Gillian Weir; recorded October 2, 2008

Hour 2

GEORGI MUSHEL: Toccata [1947]. JEAN LANGLAIS: Variations on a theme of Frescobaldi. SERGEI SLONIMSKY: Toccata [1961] –Dame Gillian Weir; recorded October 2, 2008

WOLFGANG RÜBSAM: 4 Hymn-Improvisations: The Risen Christ; Eternal Spirig of the Living Christ; Soul, adorn thyself; Thine the AmenWolfgang Rübsam; recorded March 12, 2009

SIR EDWARD ELGAR: Andante espressivo [iii] and Presto [iv] from Organ Sonata Number 1 in G, Opus 28 –Thomas Murray; recorded October 19, 2008

LEO SOWERBY: Prelude on Deus tuorum militumThomas Weisflog; recorded October 6, 2008

FRANK BRIDGE: Adagio in E –Thomas Murray; recorded October 19, 2008

Filler –LEO SOWERBY: Passacaglia (see above)

 

During the 1960s, an attempt was made to downplay the orchestral character of Mr. Skinners Opus 634 and give it an unnatural ‘Baroque’ voice. After years of planning, and the retrieval of many ranks of pipes that had been ‘de-accessioned’, the Schantz Organ Company has reaffirmed the Rockefeller Chapel organ’s original character, with additions. Jeffrey Dexter, Schantz tonal director, provides commentary.