1880 Cavaillé-Coll organ at Église Saint-Francis de Sales, Lyon, France

Awaken to the coming of spring and simultaneously celebrate a most important anniversary this week on Pipedreams. We honor Johann Sebastian Bach while enjoying his music - both youthful escapades and mature profundities - as played by Simon Preston, E. Power Biggs, Jonathan Dimmock and Kate von Tricht. Other composers offer unusual homage, too, and Håkan Hagegård, Rupert Gough, and Stewart Foster provide a few unexpected surprises. Dress casually, come with a friend, but bring no gifts; the best ones are already on the table.

The pipe organ of 19th century France offered players a virtual symphonic soundscape, and this week we’ll listen to a pair of works that exploit those resources to the full. Charles-Marie Widor at the Church of Saint Sulpice, was the first to thoroughly articulate a symphonic organ style, creating scores rich in color and virtuosity. Widor’s pupil and colleague, Louis Vierne at Notre Dame Cathedral, increased the emotional intensity of the genre to embrace passion, heartbreak and rage. Nine soloists on as many instruments play the Fourth Symphonies by this pair of famous composers, creating the grandest sort of sonic experience. We’re not kidding when we say it’s as simple as Four by Four.

From the subtle magic of a single flute stop to the glorious roar of an entire instrument in song, this week’s program explores just a few of the auditory adventures available to organists. Baroque chorale variations and Psalm fantasies, trumpet tunes, symphonic poems, a virtuoso etude for pedals alone, and a racy romp for two performers at one console are just a few of the possibilities exhibited by our talented friends. Gustav Leonhardt, Virgil Fox and several others each provide unique responses to musical challenges as we continue our never ending search for Sonic Solutions.

On the fourth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, this musical offering of remembrance, resilience and hope.

These brilliant denizens of heaven evoke their rolls as travelers’ guide, focus of prayers and wishes, and symbol of nations, while providing us with a star-studded musical celebration.

…a dramatic, romantic French organ symphony with some of its composer’s other thoughts regarding it included.

…back in the depths of history, the number ‘7’ was deemed lucky, or at least significant, and our music proves the point.

…a delectation of French music, with particular emphasis on the organ works of centenarian Jean Francaix (1912-1997)

…another impromptu scan of some recently-received recordings showcasing the King of Instruments

…for the seventh day of the seventh month, scores by Widor, Rheinberger and Guilmant offer players and listeners a rainbow of tonal possibility!

Grandeur and majesty. Passion and poetry. These are the elements of a new musical style that evolved in Paris in the latter 19th-century which revolutionized the art of the organ. On our next Pipedreams broadcast, we’ll hear two ‘firsts’ - two symphonic works for solo organ by Charles-Marie Widor and his pupil and, ultimately, competitor, Louis Vierne. Inspired by the sonorities of the lavish new instruments designed by master organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, both Widor, who was the first to call a composition an organ symphony, and Vierne created musical masterpieces that are both a challenge to play and a joy to hear.

…for June brides and others, a program of wedding music which includes some of what you'd expect and much than you wouldn't.

…Another popular quarterly sampler of recent organ recordings, featuring unusual and appealing repertoire, young artists, sonic surprises, and commentary.

…Going on record –a spring quarterly survey of some recently released recordings of organ music, with commentary by program host Michael Barone.

…Beginning the New Year with a special review of recent recordings of organ music from LP's and CD's. Host Michael Barone provides commentary.

…Conversations with and performances by the provocative, multi-faceted artist and teacher from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

…“Spiritual” music with twist, in observance of All Hallows Eve.

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…Traveling off the beaten track for a glimpse at some of the least-known music by one of the most famous French organist/composers, Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937).

A journey of enhanced perception, guided by Rollin Smith, Towards an Authentic Interpretation of the Organ works of Cesar Franck, with notable and historic examples.

Eight different soloists provide a composite look Symphony Number 8, the largest and least-known of Charles-Marie Widor’s ten famous organ symphonies.

Exploring the actualities and implications of Mozart’s life-long love of the ‘King of Instruments’, and other’s love of Wolfgang Amadeus.

Music on Old Testament themes for Synagogue services or concerts.

A tribute to the famous French organbuilder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll [1811—1899] whose vision created a new style of instrument and whose generosity encouraged artists who would maximize its potential.