1992 C.B. Fisk organ, Opus 100, at Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Texas

…share in humoresques, scherzos, fantasies and other compositions done up with a sense of fun and surprise. Who says the organ must always be so serious. It’s not all solemn processionals. The king of instruments does have a sense of humor, too, as you’ll discover on our next Pipedreams program, where wry wit, sardonic satire, and a general joviality prevail. Bill Albright’s nifty narration provides a key element, as do songs by Stephen Sondheim and Henry Mancini, scherzos and fantasies played in Souvigny and San Francisco, and a humerous hornpipe played in Sydney Australia. That’s but part of the fun. We’ll also sample concert instruments in Dallas and Yokoyama, theatre organs in Kansas and Arizona, and one of the finest French antiques from the 18th century, still capable of a big smile. Curious chords prove that the Joke is On Us - humoresques for organ, this week on Pipedreams.

…Michael Barone teams up with soloist Mary Preston, conductor Jerry Junkin, and one of the world’s best wind ensembles at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

…an eclectic and engaging survey of evidence of the pipe organ’s potential for color and variety, from recent recordings.

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

…music and conversation featuring internationally touring British recitalist Christopher Herrick, in celebration of his 40th anniversary as a recording artist.

…a colorful collection of music featuring African-American composers and performers.

…performances by and conversation with one of today’s most dynamic organ virtuosos, Wayne Marshall.

…bigger-than-life performances on notable pipe organs in and around the Lone Star State.

…compositions of lament, reflection and healing in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

…performances by soloists from Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, in concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

…performers, composers, arrangers, and instrument builders join in providing music for the holiday celebration.

…showcasing music by the foremost 19th century composer who did not write for the pipe organ, Richard Wagner (1813-1883).

…in anticipation of Women's Equality Day, a program to showcase women composers and organists.

…music and conversation feature internationally-touring British recitalist Christopher Herrick, in celebration of his years as a recording artist.

…a selective collection of organ works by composers with significant birthdays observed during this year.

…a prelude to the upcoming East Texas Organ Festival, plus Pipedreams Live! visits to Dallas and Fort Worth.

…the music and insights of a prominent American composer of organ and church music, Gerald Near.

…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.

…performances by and conversation with one of today’s most dynamic organ virtuosos, Wayne Marshall.

…music and conversation featuring internationally touring British recitalist Christopher Herrick, in celebration of his 40th anniversary as a recording artist.

…despite the organ's origins abroad, our resident composers have rather nicely figured out the King of Instruments.

…the music and insights of a prominent American composer of organ and church music, Gerald Near.

…adventuresome repertoire is explored by four outstanding Texas organ soloists.

…a centenary tribute to one of America’s most original composers, and profoundly influential musicians, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990).