Episodes: 2008

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

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

…composers and performers blend their talents in a melodious tribute to the holiday season.

…composers and performers from the global community offer up exotic musical gifts for this season of the Nativity.

…in tribute to Olivier Messiaen on the centenary of his birth, a composite performance of one of his best-loved compositions, La Nativité du Seigneur, music inspired by the birth of Jesus.

…hot to the touch, and hotter to hear, these compositions cover the keyboard with memorable sonic effects.

…a few slices from the ‘new organ’, ‘new music’, and ‘live performance’ scenes in Manhattan.

…an audition of three intriguing recent installations in concert halls in Japan, Finland and Hungary.

…from the centenary celebrations of the Robert Hope-Jones pipe organ in the world-famous auditorium of this picturesque New Jersey summer shore-side retreat.

…in celebration of the International Year of the Organ, more excerpts from the American Guild of Organist’s National Convention in Minnesota.

…youthful students from the Curtis Institute of Music perform at Spivey Hall in Morrow, Georgia, while their teacher, Alan Morrison, premieres a new work back home at Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall.

…we celebrate composer Ned Rorem with performances of his music in anticipation of his 85th birthday. On this week’s show, we visit with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ned Rorem and celebrate the remarkable and envigorating repertoire that he has composed for organists and choirs. Is it strange that an agnostic son of Quaker parents should write so compellingly for the church or is everything under the sun just a concert celebrating creativity? Insights from the artist with his art, it’s Rorem on Rorem.

…in celebration of the International Year of the Organ, excerpts (Part 1) from an event recorded during the American Guild of Organist’s National Convention in Minnesota.

…a selective survey of some recently issued recordings devoted to organ music from the period 1600-1750, everything from Boyvin to Casini plus Bach, Handel and Buxtehude, too!

…the ‘king of instruments’ in western culture has earned a place of honor in eastern venues, too, particularly in Japan and, most recently, China!

…a close-up visit with one of the most enterprising talents on the world music scene, with excerpts from recent concert performances and his newly-released Telarc Records compact disc, Revolutionary.

…excerpts from a weekend of special Pipedreams Live! events with Michael Barone in his ‘home town’ territory, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region of northeastern Pennsylvania. In appreciation of the several musicians who influenced him during his early years in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Michael Barone dedicates this program to the spirits of Stella Pickett, Marion Wallace, and Howard Hallock, and to the continuing presence of Dorothy Turner and Robert Wech…with thanks!

…since its inauguration in 1911, what is now known as the Wanamaker Organ has prevailed as an internationally renowned fixture in downtown Philadelphia.  We explore its resources with artist-in-residence Peter Conte and curator Curt Mangel.