1988 Kleuker-Steinmeyer organ at the Tonhalle in Zürich, Switzerland

From sprightly Renaissance dances to grandious concertos, this week’s show celebrates the many diverse elements that make organ music so remarkable. The fact that this instrument dates from the 16th century adds a sense of history. Beyond that, however, style, emotion, and compositional and mechanical ingenuity all play a part in creating an art filled that creates a multi-faceted experience ranging from restraint to rejoicing. Whether in a charming transcription, an anthem accompaniment, or a zesty concert finale, the king of instruments does it all. Discover it yourself as we listening to recently released compact discs from around the world. We’re Going On Record.

No questions are asked when the name of Bach comes up. He is the undisputed master of organ music by worldwide acclaim, and this week, we offer a multi-national celebration of Bachian art, works of amazing grace and glorious intensity. From across Europe and the United States come a host of players, from Albert Schweitzer to David Schrader, Aram Basmadjian to Pierre Bardon. From England, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France and America, our retrospective celebrates universal appeal and border-crossing cooperation. It’s Bach International.

Some pieces were intended for intimate living-room spaces, while others have enthralled crowds in great cathedrals. This week, we travel the world in search of seasonal treats. Christmas is coming, and we will dance and sing while listening to the Memphis Chamber Choir and a host of organ soloists from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United States, as each contribute sonic surprises of many sorts. Come along as we celebrate a Holiday International.

Behold! We bring you both powerful and poetic musings from one of the greatest organists of the 20th century, Marcel Dupré.

Tune in and discover a few revelatory attitudes and probing interpretations that set this noteable French virtuoso apart from the norm.

The passionate and powerful Sixth Organ Symphony by Charles-Marie Widor in two versions, for organ solo and with orchestra. Widor’s arrangement of the outer movements of his popular Sixth Organ Symphony [solo] was his first major essay for organ and orchestra. He went on to create two additional, totally original organ and orchestra compositions later in life. It was prepared for a London concert in 1882, later played by Charles Courboin in Antwerp in 1900, and presented again by Courboin, with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Stokowski, at the Wanamaker Store in 1919. The Bowden/McKinley performance in Indiana was only the second American outing for this score since that Philadelphia premiere.

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

…varied interpretations, transcriptions, arrangements, and outlooks enhance our appreciation of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…on the occasion of the bicentennial of his birth, we enjoy some intriguing scores that Robert Schumann composed in 1845…originally not for the pipe organ!

…composite performances of the most famous of all organ symphonies (by Charles-Marie Widor), and its somber companion-challenger (by Louis Vierne).

…a collection of music by composers (mostly) with important birthday anniversaries in the year 2011.

…in the countryside and city, a collection of old noëls in settings from three centuries.

…enjoy a collection of classic and contemporary interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…an exploration of some unusual items found amidst the remarkably rich repertoire of music for organ with orchestra.

…the great master, Johann Sebastian, provokes our understanding of historic tradition as well as our sense of adventure.

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

…a glimpse at some intriguing repertoire and exquisite recordings made by engineer-producer Christoph Frommen for his Aeolus Music label.

…a multi-cultural exploration of diverse musicks for the Festival of the Nativity.

…some engaging confections, several of them ‘invented in the moment’, add to our enjoyment of this special time of year.

…an independent approach leads to compelling results in the hands of those who prefer ‘doing it their way’!

…conversations with, plus compositions and improvisations by the versatile and remarkable Minnesota-based organist Aaron David Miller.

…a colorful collection of compositions involving the pipe organ with other instrumentalists.

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

…can there ever be a surfeit of these characterful, complex and compelling treasures?