2012 Foley-Baker (utilizing pipes from Welte (1928), Aeolian-Skinner (1958), Möller (1964) and Gould & Sons (1983) at the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint mark, Minneapolis, Minnesota

a profound reflection upon the saga of Christ’s crucifixion, a progression through fourteen poems by Paul Claudel with originally-improvised musical commentary by Marcel Dupré.

It’s a feast for the ears on this week’s broadcast. We’ll have choice and charming confections from home and abroad, including Dale Wood’s evocation of a Cold December, a Richard Purvis song about wee lambs, and a mechanical music-box version of White Christmas. We’ll also visit Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Minneapolis, the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, England, and Brangwyn Hall in Wales in search of the proper ingredients for our holiday party.

Our next Pipedreams program explores the matter of multiples, those collections of musical movements which fall under the term partita. They might be variations on a chant theme, psalm tune or popular song, or just a suite of delicious diversions. In every case they give the player an ordered opportunity to strut their stuff and us the chance to hear the lovely colors of which fine pipe organs are capable. At cathedrals in Altenberg and Saint Louis, or village churches in Kiedrich or Zella-Mehlis, though the addresses are unusual, the sonic surprises are of top quality. Investigate the entertaining and honorable tradition of keyboard variations, good tunes all dressed up with somewhere to go. Klaas Bolt, Mary Beth Bennett, Joseph Payne, and Philip Crozier set out the refreshments for a fun affair, as we get ready for Partita Time, this week on Pipedreams.

When you’ve got it, flaunt it. As a center for trade and diplomacy, the seventeenth-century north German port of Hamburg was one of the most prosperous independent cultural centers of Europe. As a city, it supported composers like Scheidemann, Praetorius and Reincken who, in turn, provided the foundations of a German Baroque style. This week, we sample the musical life of this cosmopolitan Hanseatic center and hear some of the music and instruments for which the city was, and remains, famous. Guy Bovet, Douglas Bush, Gustav Leonhardt and Julia Brown play upon a proud cultural tradition, and we serve up delectible samples from our Hamburger Hotdish.

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

…some varied recital performances of works by history’s greatest composer for the King of Instruments, as recorded in the Twin Cities.

…concert performances by Christa Rakich, Lawrence Archbold and Robert Bates, recorded in midwestern venues.

…organists and their music are everywhere around us, as this program of live and lively performances demonstrates.

…the splendid sound of organ music in American cathedrals in Seattle, San Francisco, Wilkes-Barre, Toledo, Buffalo and the Twin Cities.

…transformative and uplifting music in observance of the Christian festival of Resurrection.

…the splendid sound of organ music in American cathedrals in Seattle, San Francisco, Wilkes-Barre, Toledo, Buffalo and the Twin Cities.

…in solos and choral accompaniments, resident and guest artists showcase the 2012 Foley-Baker rebuild of the Welte-Möller organ at the Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis.

…prize–winning young organists explore intriguing repertoire beyond the same–old–same–old.

…concert performances of music by the greatest composer for the pipe organ, in celebration of his birthday and the beginning of spring.

…virtuosic music by two of the towering legends of the early 20th century keyboard, explored by Jeremy Filsell.

…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.

…prize–winning young organists explore intriguing repertoire beyond the same–old–same–old.

…a summer seasonal sampler of recent recordings, with comment.

American organists provide musical gifts for all who join in adoration and praise.

Savoring seasonal organ repertoire from many lands.

A New Year’s survey of recent releases of organ music on compact disc.

a collection of unusual repertoire featuring Canadian composers and performers.

A summing up of the past year, with celebrations and memorial tributes, highlights of some exceptional recordings, and some glimpses into the future.

Recital highlights from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Minnesota.