1912 Stahlhuth; 2001 Jann organ at the Église Saint.-Martin, Dudelange, Luxembourg

This week we take a listen to new recordings that represent an exceptional survey of four centuries of music.

A selective sampler of some of the newer items ‘hot off the press’, a sonic smorgasbord.

…whether in simple variations on a sacred hymn tune or complex counterpoint around a new-made melody, composers always respond to the lyric muse. This week we’ll listen to musical creations based on both familiar and newly formed tunes. One of the most common forms of composition for the King of Instruments, composers have frequently demonstrated their craftsmanship with these lyric morsels.

…familiar songs take on a new life in the hands of imaginative composers and agile performers playing upon an organ’s many pipes.

…performances by and conversation with the outstanding American recitalist, whose international career continues to blossom.

…music of contrast and contradiction, a progression of mood and spirit leading to revelation.

…we anticipate the upcoming 100th birthday of America’s most popular outdoor pipe organ at the Spreckels Pavilion in Balboa Park.

…getting the New Year off to a fine start with a survey of some recent compact disc releases. Contents TBA. Tune in and check us out.

…repertoire from several centuries exploiting instrumental sonorities and compositional textures.

…a stimulating visit with English organist Tom Winpenny, who introduces us to his many musical enthusiasms.

…these works on classical Greek themes remind us that it was a Greek engineer, Ctesibius, who invented the pipe organ more than 2300 years ago!

…only good things happen when two organists share a single console!