Episodes: 2012

…in observance of the 450th anniversary of Sweelinck’s birth, a survey of the organ art in the Netherlands.

…this Parisian church enjoyed the world’s largest musical instrument when its mighty 100-stop Cavaillé-Coll pipe organ was inaugurated 150 years ago, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1862.

…whether in pagan ritual, songs of sunshine, spiritual revival or April showers, we enjoy the sweet music…and breezes…of springtime music.

…transformative and uplifting music in observance of the Christian festival of Resurrection.

…meditations from the dark side by Bach, Sweelinck, Daveluy and Grunenwald, somber music of sadness, solace, and strength.

…with vibrant performances and exquisite instrumental sonorities, we delight in the work of history’s foremost composer for the pipe organ.

…enjoy a collection of classic and contemporary interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…we visit the campus of the University of Oklahoma to investigate a path-breaking new curriculum of organ study begun by Professor John Schwandt.

…invented by the Italians and transformed by composers everywhere ever since, the Organ Sonata encourages different strokes from different folks.

…youthful performers, filled with enthusiasm, carry the King of Instruments with them into the 21st Century.

…prize-winners of the premiere North American contest for young talents perform in Montreal.

…instruments at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and the Catholic Cathedral in La Crosse, Wisconsin demonstrate two divergent ways of approaching the ‘classical organ’.

…whether with chamber orchestra, symphonic ensemble, or just one partner player, the idea of an ‘organ concert’ is totally engaging.

…beyond the pipe organ’s own resources, the sounds of additional trumpets, trombones and horns lend an extra dimension to the sonic spectrum.

…when two keyboard talents team up, the repertoire provides for some very intriguing results.

…the canny British-born recitalist, musician-in-residence at Washington National Cathedral, has made an international reputation with his recordings, arrangements, and compelling performances.

…a sampler of instruments old and new (and performers youthful and mature) as prelude to the Spring 2012 Pipedreams Tour in the UK.