UPDATED 06/08/2008

Now accepting credit cards

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

    The Casavant Frères organ (opus 2871) at St. George's Memorial Anglican Church Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (1966)
    Samples by Ken Bales
    Vierne, Louis: Légende, Op. 31, No. 13Download
    This begins Book 2 of the 24 Pieces in Free Style. Gentle rocking motion throughout. [3:15] Midi file available. MO
    Buxtehude, Dietrich: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BuxWV 180Download View Lyrics
    Very spontaneously ornamented chorale treatment with amusing sequences near the end in the accompaniment. [3:48] Midi file available. MO
    Pachelbel, Johann: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'meinDownload View Lyrics
    Introduction based on opening bars of the Chorale, which is stated in full in the Pedal. The repeat is softer, which is in the Baroque tradition of terrace dynamics, but might have been difficult on the organs of Pachelbel's time. [2:4] MO
    Bruhns, Nicholas: Prelude in E minorDownload
    This Prelude has fugal elements but is basically a virtuoso showpiece. with incredibly varied rhythmic vitality, in many short sections with time signatures like 18/16 and 12/8, and makes great use of repeated notes and chords. [6:51] MO
    Vierne, Louis: Arabesque, Op. 31, No. 15Download
    Use of whole-tone and diatonic scales in the melody, long held chords in the left hand with only the tenor moving about chromatically, all contribute to an almost hypnotic effect. Do not play while operating heavy machinery. [5:0] Midi file available. MO
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547Download
    The prelude possesses a strong drive with some characteristic Bach lyricism and elegant modulations. Galloping 9/8 rhythmic motive using full organ.The fugue alternates between manuals, then builds up in monumental fashion. [9:16] MO
    Froberger, J. J.: Canzona IIDownload
    The chromatic subject is first expounded upon in common meter (4/4), then changes to triple meter, and interrupted by a colorful keyboard flourish, progresses to 6/4 time, ending a bit abruptly. Froberger's interesting harmonic juxtapositions prevail. [4:3] Midi file available. MO
    Vierne, Louis: Rêverie, Op. 31, No. 10Download
    Though similar in registration and technique to other meditative pieces in this collection, it is as unique as any heartbreak that could have caused it. The solo passages on the Great are particularly expressive, the relentless slowness evokes acceptance. [4:38] Midi file available. MO
    Handel, George Frederick: Processional from Judas MaccabaeusDownload
    Stately march showing off quite a dynamic range. Impulse reverberation added. [2:25] MO
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in A major, BWV 536Download
    The gentlest of preludes and fugues, Schweitzer says the prelude should "pass before the hearer like a vision." The fugue is almost all exposition, with the syncopated subject appearing in one or two voices at a time, playfully incomplete at times. This piece is fairly uncharacteristic among Bach organ works, in an unusual key for him as well. [6:30] MO
    Vierne, Louis: Epitaphe, Op. 31, No. 4Download
    This introspective portrait of grief draws from very deep wells. [5:0] Midi file available. MO
    Vetter, Andreas Nicolaus: Komm, heiliger GeistDownload View Lyrics
    Through composed trio with Chorale in Pedal. [2:27] MO