1714 Silbermann organ at Freiberg Cathedral, Germany

We reflect on the passing of time on our next Pipedreams broadcast. The old year now is gone and done. So are a number of wonderful musical friends whom we will honor and miss. But, we’ll also celebrate some intriguing new instruments, check up on the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia for a progress report on the ongoing restoration there, sample some recent recordings - including a disc which just won a ‘golden ears’ award from a popular audiophile journal and stop down in Mexico, where fireworks and the village band added to the excitement of a visit from some Norwegian performers.

Everyone has an opinion, whether asked for or not. On our next Pipedreams program we’ll argue the opinions of eight esteemed artists, each of whom has a personal view of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. I’m not sure we’ll find, or even desire, a consensus, but we will be provoked by the playing of Harald Vogel, Wolfgang Rübsam, Kate van Tricht, and Anthony Newman. We’ll hear them perform on various instruments from Bach’s time and other organs inspired by history and by the methods by which music was generally created when those particular organs were built. The greatest music demands the greatest interpreters, and we find out just how broad the interpretive stage can be when eight players and as many instruments pay homage to the genius of Johann Sebastian. The interpretive pendulum swings Bach and Forth this week on Pipedreams.

Although we’ll never be able to find a definitive Bach organ, we do know where he played and the sorts of instruments which influenced him. On this week’s show, we’ll visit the church in Arnstadt, Bach’s first important job, drop in at the Castle Church in Lahm, where he helped a cousin with the organ design, and at Altenburg Palace where, later, his best pupil, Krebs, was employed. We’ll hear an instrument by Silbermann, who Bach respected but with whom he did not see eye-to-eye, also the new organ at Saint Thomas Church, Leipzig, modeled after one in Bach’s hometown, and the extraordinary Hildebrandt masterpiece in Naumburg, which we think Bach designed. Bach traveled the countryside as Germany’s foremost recitalist, and we follow his footsteps to hear the sounds he knew and the organs which were important in his growth as an artist. Come with us to Arnstadt, Altenburg, Naumburg, Leipzig and Lahm, as we revisit history and celebrate Bach’s Royal Instruments.

It may seem that organs can never be too large, but the music on this week’s show reveals the beauty in smaller things—music played on instruments with only a single manual keyboard!

Today’s world culture is nothing new to the pipe organ, which has been importing and integrating international influences for centuries.

Part one of a two part celebration of the 100th birthday of one of the most influential and effective advocates for the pipe organ, the late, great Edward George Power Biggs, March 29, 1906—March 10, 1977.

Unencumbered by the organ’s generally sober aspect, we let enthusiasm and optimism take the upper hand

…the famous French recitalist, recording artist and teacher Marie-Claire Alain talks about her life and shares her music. With more than 200 albums to her credit, she is synonymous with the art of French organ music today. On our next Pipedreams program, Marie-Claire Alain talks about her family’s history, including the time when her organist father built an instrument for their home, upon which her older brother composed some of the foremost works of the 20th century. Meanwhile, this little black sheep of the talented Alain family grew up to be a famous teacher and recitalist who helped popularize the French Classics, and has recorded the complete works of Bach three times. Marie-Claire Alain talks and plays from the heart. She is a vital force in broadening the French musical perspective. Daughter and sister, teacher and recitalist, she has lived a life with and for music. Hear her story Alain on Alain this week on Pipedreams.

…during his later Leipzig years, Bach revised and prepared a diverse collection of chorale preludes that were his final testament in this format.

…a selective summary of some intriguing and unusual albums of organ music issued on CD.

…you don’t want to be left all alone when things go bump in the night in the organ loft!

…the immeasurable treasure of Bach’s compositions for organ provides perpetual pleasure.

…in anticipation of the upcoming Pipedreams Tour in Germany, we sample various interpretive approaches of Bach’s music played on instruments in Bach Country.

…our traditional summing-up of some of the year’s happenings in the world of the King of Instruments.

…performance styles over the years have changed, but the genius of J. S. B. remains a constant.

…a collection of terrifically tactile and telling tests of musical virtuosity and stamina.

…diverse venues and interpretive attitudes explore the universal genius of J.S.B.

…the immeasurable treasure of Bach's compositions for organ provides perpetual pleasure.

…The autumn quarterly sampler of recent releases of organ music on cassette and compact disc, with comments and recommendations by host Michael Barone.

Sorrowful and reassuring meditations for a time of stress and uncertainty.

Mostly smaller chorale settings from the landmark volume, Clavierubung III.

Superb and sublime, this master-composer’s music never fails to take the organ to its expressive limits.

intriguing highlights from imported recordings issued by the organ-focused German label Motette Verlag from Düsseldorf.

a quarterly review of recent organ recordings, drawing from the incredible variety of new and interesting materials which are available to music lovers these days.