1974 Ruffatti organ console at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The impulse is inexorable, and it’s not just the organist’s feet that want to move out. Our next Pipedreams program celebrates the ceremonial and the aerobic opportunities of music in the manner of a march. Some pieces have the expected pomp and circumstance, but others are majestic, or joyous, or somber, or even side-splittingly funny. Siamese children, archers, marionettes, three kings, and even penguins get into the act, as we step right out according to rank and file. Whether stepping out to a little number by Bach, or a grand romp by Sousa or Elgar, we’ll get our legs and ears in shape and take advantage of an energy which makes you want to move. Ready? Start with your left left-right organ music for a parade. We March Forth!, this week on Pipedreams.

The charm of folk tunes and the charismatic character of an international array of instruments and soloists enlivens this program of seasonal fare. Franz Lehrndorfer improvises at Saint Boniface Church in Munich, Ann Labounsky plays the work of her famous teacher Jean Langlais, and Todd Wilson shows off the Skinner organ at Cleveland’s Severance Hall. We offer holiday music of the shepherds and angels from around the world. Listen to variations from Munich and Dieppe, hymn preludes from Cleveland and Tacoma, and fine-wrought fantasies from Methuen and Fort Lauderdale as part of A Christmas Festival.

…in anticipation of the Christmas festival, this collection of music with an international flavor.

…a celebration of composers and performers, in anticipation of International Women’s Day [observed on March 8].

…a kaleidoscopic collection of twentieth-century music by composers from the United States, many in first broadcast performances.

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

…in anticipation of our thoroughly American holiday, these works by some thoroughly American composers.

…soloists, composers and instrument builders all around our country celebrate the holiday season.