UPDATED 04/10/2008

Now accepting credit cards

 
FEATURED INSTRUMENT CONCERT
Click to stream concert Click to see another concert
 
    If you enjoy this concert, please donate by clicking on the button to the left!

    L'Orgue des Frères Jullien de Marseille, Roquemaure/Gard, Languedoc, France (1690--historic monument)
    Samples by Prof. Helmut Maier
    Krebs, Johann Ludwig: Four Preludes in F, F, C, C, Br II:04Download
    Played as a suite, the first prelude punctuates with one hand and the pedal, arpeggiates with the other (G.O. Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Doublette 2' basses & dessus; Pédale Basse + G.O. coupler); the second prelude is really a trio with the pedal is less active than usual (G.O. Bourdon 8' + Flûte 4' basses & dessus; Récit. Bourdon 8' + Flute 4' + Cornet 3 rangs; Pedal as above). The third is an ornate little march (G.O. Bourdon 8' + Flûte 4' basses & dessus + Doublette 2' basses & dessus + Larigot 1 1/3 basses & dessus; Pedal as above). The fourth is a more massive procession (G.O. Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Doublette 2' basses & dessus + Larigot 1 1/3 basses & dessus + Fourniture 3 rangs + Trompette 8' en fer blanc basses & dessus; Pedal Bombarde 16' added). [5:13] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 724Download View Lyrics
    Five voices of polyphony on the Christmas chorale, adapted from 15th century Latin hymn "Ave Heirarchia" in the Michael Weisse Gesangbuch of 1531, but played in waltz time. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (8.1 MB). [1:15] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) Midi file available. HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Récit de Basse de Trompette ou de CromorneDownload
    Fourth movement of Verbum Supernum. Récit Flutes 8' and 4' accompany a slightly overwhelming G.O. Trompette using the extended set. The alternative registration for Cromorne is available here and a dynamically more balanced Vox Humana can be heard here. [2:35] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Wir Christenleut, BWV 612Download View Lyrics
    Bach in an extroverted Christmas mood. Thanks to Prof. Helmut Maier for the registration suggestion. [1:44] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) Midi file available. HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Wir glauben all an einen Gott, BWV 765Download View Lyrics
    Four voice contrapuntal treatment of the chorale associated with the Lutheran creed, the soprano states the chorale in augmentation (half speed). WAV file is available in RAR format: here (17.1 MB). [2:35] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Buxtehude, Dietrich: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BuxWV 185Download View Lyrics
    Forthrightly ornamented chorale melody on the Récit. Cornet accompanied by G.O. Montre 8' + Flûte 4' with Pedal 16' permanently coupled to G.O. The scurrilous text reflects the cultural bias of the age, though sadly some still hold these views. [1:38] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) Midi file available. HW1
    Pachelbel, Johann: Christ lag in TodesbandenDownload View Lyrics
    Starts with a 4-voice fughetta on the opening of the Chorale, then proceeds to a fantasia with the Chorale in the Pedal. Registration: G.O Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Nazard 2 2/3 + Doublette 2' + Fourniture (3 rangs) + Cymbale (3 rangs) + Trompette 8'; Pédale: Bombarde 16' (when the Bombarde is dropped for the repeat, there is still a Basse 16' in the Pédale, permanently coupled to the G.O.). [3:55] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Premier AgnusDownload
    The original registration says "Positiv: Fonds 8, 4; Echo Chalumeau, T.E." and here it is realized on the Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Cromorne 8' of the G.O., coupled to the Pédale for the chorale. [1:38] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: TrioDownload
    Eighth movement of the Gloria: "Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe". Two of the three voices are sounded on the Positiv (permanent Flutes 8' and 4'). The third voice shows off the tenor and bass registers of the Voix Humaine. Another version for positiv Cornet and G.O. Cromorne may be heard here. [2:31] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Récit de Tierce pour le BenedictusDownload
    The solo lies well within the range of the Récit Cornet, with the other parts on G.O. Bourdon 8' + Flute 4' but the ad lib Pédale automatically introduces a 16' not called for in the original registration instructions. Uses the extended set. [2:19] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Dialogue sur les Grands JeuxDownload
    It is possible to get lost in the swirly texture of Notes Inégales, elaborate ornamentation and elaborate suspensions; yet, like all French Baroque organ music, the sixth Kyrie is very specifically registered to show off various features of the organ: Grand Jeu, Petit Jeu, and two registers of the Trompette. In this case the breaking point didn't quite match, so the accompaniment was promoted to a Cornet. [3:19] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Volckmar, Tobias: Kyrie, Gott Vater in EwigkeitDownload View Lyrics
    Three very short sections, the first sombre in Alla breve time (Montre 8' + Bourdon 8' + Prestant 4' + Flute 4' [B. & D.] ); the second cheerful in 6/8 time (Bourdon 8' + Flute 4' [B. & D.] + Doublette [B. & D.] ) + Cymbale 3 R, and the third with a characteristic dance-like rhythm, in Alla breve time (Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Nazard 2 2/3' + Trompette 8'; Pedal Bombarde 16'). [1:54] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Récit du Chant de l'Hymne précédentDownload View Lyrics
    The third setting of Pange Lingua features the Positiv Cornet against Flutes 8' and 4' on the G.O. The highly ornate solo lies perfectly within range of the extended instrument, although the permanent 16' in the Pédale is not specifically called for. [2:39] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 550Download
    The prelude contains one unifying theme, which is utilized in a long pedal cadenza, interrupted by a transition marked with the tempo indication "Grave" and followed by a Fugue "Alla breve è staccato" which is quite reminiscent of the "Gigue Fugue" in the same key. Basic Registrations: Prelude - G.O. Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Nazard 2 2/3' + Doublette 2'; Fugue G.O. G.O. Montre 8' + Flû 4' + Nazard 2 2/3' + Doublette 2'; Cornet on Positiv. [8:2] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Pachelbel, Johann: Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl, 1st SettingDownload View Lyrics
    Two voices, the chorale sounded on the Récit Cornet, the other jolly voice on the G.O. Bourdon 8' + Doublette 2'. [1:21] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Werde munter, mein Gemüte, BWV 1118Download View Lyrics
    The melody more famous as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" plays hide and seek, switches meters, explores medieval harmony briefly and ends as sweetly as it began. Registration: G.O. Montre + Flute 4' + Nazard + Doublette (Basses et Dessus as appropriate); repeat G.O. Bourdon + Flute 4' (Basses et Dessus) + Cymbale; reverts to former registration. [1:57] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Clérambault, Louis-Nicolas: FugueDownload
    The second piece of Suite du Premier Ton for organ is marked "Lentement" (slow). It is intricately, fervently ornamented and played with foundations and reeds throughout. Registration: Montre 8' + Bourdon + Prestant + Flute 4' + Nazard + Trompette (basses et dessus as appropriate) coupled to Pédale Basse 16'. [2:27] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Grigny, Nicolas De: Fugue (Benedicimus Te)Download
    2nd movement of the Gloria, for Petit Plein Jeu, here rendered on the G.O. Bourdon' + Prestant + Doublette + Fourniture. [1:15] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Buxtehude, Dietrich: Gott der Vater wohn uns bei, BuxWV 190Download View Lyrics
    Rather playful ornamentation and syncopation in the chorale at times, played on Récit. Cornet with sturdy accompaniment from G.O. Bourdon 8' + Prestant 4' and PD Basse 16' permanently coupled to G.O. [2:24] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht, BWV 1108Download View Lyrics
    Flowing chorale (G.O. Montre 8' + Prestant) and one sweet variation (G.O. Bourdon 8' + Prestant + Doublette 2' [Basse et Dessus] + Larigot 1 1/3' [Basse et Dessus] ) on another obscure old text. Both end with the permanent Pédale Basse 16' permanently coupled to G.O. [2:5] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Das Alte Jahr Vergangen Ist, BWV 614Download View Lyrics
    This is a sad and expressive farewell to the secular old year. Ornamented Chorale on the Récit Cornet, accompanied by G.O. Montre 8' + Flute 4' coupled permanently to Subbass 16'. [1:43] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) Midi file available. HW1
    Dandrieu, Jean-François: Fugue on Ave Maris StellaDownload View Lyrics
    From his Premier livre de pièces d'Orgue (First Organ Book), this score is marked "Majesteusement" (Majestically) and its full name is "Fugue sur l'hymne de la vierge, Ave Maris Stella." Score courtesy of the Mutopia Project - organ music here. [1:46] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Pachelbel, Johann: Toccata in G minor(III)Download
    This playful toccata separates nicely onto two manuals and pedal, with the Récit. Cornet taking the topmost voice except on the last note. [1:32] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545Download
    The prelude is full of suspensions and involves full Great and Pedal throughout. (G.O. Montre 8' + Prestant 4'). The Fugue is mostly exposition, with the subject often appearing unexpectedly; one time it begins in parallel thirds, but the lower voice abandons this treatment. (G.O. Bourdon 8' + Prestant 4' + Doublette 2' Positiv Flûtes 8' and 4'; Montre 8' + Prestant 4' + Doublette 2' + Fourniture 3 Rangs; Pédale adds Bombarde 16' near end; G.O. Trompette 8' added at end. A few missing notes from the bottom of the Positiv were supplied by the G.O. Bourdon 8' + Flûlte 4. Basse and dessus used together if applicable. Pedal Basse 16 is permanently coupled to G.O. [6:1] (a1=415 Hz [- 3Cents]) HW1