UPDATED 07/25/2010

FEATURED INSTRUMENT CONCERT   Your support is necessary to continue this service. Even a small donation will help. Schantz/Rodgers, (1966/2000) at First Baptist Church of Riverside, California recorded by Jonathan Orwig Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude in E minor, BWV 548a Heroic chord-punctuated recitative passages alternating with exhilarating episodes. This and the companion fugue (known as the "Wedge") are mature masterworks of J.S. Bach which add great stature to the organ repertoire. [6:10] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Fugue in E minor "The Wedge", BWV 548b This is known as the "Wedge" because of the increasing intervals in the fugue subject, which look like a wedge on the manuscript paper. Its forward momentum, chromatic interludes and powerful counterpoint are thrilling. [8:10] Bach, Johann Sebastian: O Lamm Gottes, BWV 656 The innocent sounding beginning leads to a rhythmically powerful third verse and culminates in a glorious chromatic ending. The words of this chorale are based on the Agnus Dei. The Eighteen Leipzig Chorales are Bach's last work. He died after dictating the last of them to his son-in-law Altnikol. I transcribed this from the Widor-Schweitzer edition of Bach's Complete Works for organ, Vol. VIII, with markings used in my performance career. [8:24] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude in C minor, BWV 546a This masterful Prelude begins by pitting large chords in the left and right hands, progresses through several expressive episodes, and returns to the original statement at the end. [6:22] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Fugue in C minor, BWV 546b The fugue subject alternates with playful episodes that wander off in many directions. [4:47] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Schmücke Dich, BWV 654 This prelude is based on the communion hymn, "Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness" and features the Swell Oboe, sometimes augmented by Nasat and Tierce, accompanied by flutes on the Great and Pedal. [6:19] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Fugue in G Major "Gigue", BWV 577 Known as the "Gigue" fugue this pieces provides plenty of dancing on the pedals and manuals, for a very cheerful effect. This was one of Virgil Fox's show-stoppers when he used to tour college campuses with his custom Rodgers organ. His goal was to convince young people that Bach was "with it," using light shows and addressing them directly, unlike the usual polite and staid organ recital in church. [3:27] Midi file available. Bach, Johann Sebastian: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666 An exquisitely calm setting of a Lenten text for manuals alone, with a single pedal note underlying the ending. [3:21] Midi file available. Bach, Johann Sebastian: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV 655 A trio in which the chorale theme is teasingly played with throughout, only to be fully stated at the end in the pedal. One of the 18 Leipzig Chorales written near the end of Bach's life. [3:53] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Dorian Toccata in D minor, BWV 538a While the more famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor is "everybody's favorite," I am more fond of this toccata and its companion fugue. This recording, one of the first made (March 2001) by Jonathan Orwig on the Schantz pipe organ at First Baptist Church, Riverside, where he is organist, was subsequently rerecorded with new microphones and mixer. [5:43] Bach, Johann Sebastian: Dorian Fugue in D minor, BWV 538b One of Bach's most thrilling and well-made fugues, well worth the time it takes to listen to. [8:15]