UPDATED 04/10/2008

FEATURED INSTRUMENT CONCERT   If you enjoy this concert, please donate by clicking on the button to the left! Jackson/Brown & Arkley at St. Stephens Anglican, Penrith, NSW, Australia (1877/1977) Samples by Nicholas Appleton Schumann, Robert: Canon 4, Op. 56 Marked "Innig" (Introspective"), the canon at the 5th is sounded on the Great, with the repeated chord accompaniment on the Swell. The time interval is adjusted slightly throughout. A dramatic transition (3 identical open-5th chords over the "missing" third in the pedal) leads to a new tempo, where 32nd notes prevail and, after a scattering of entrances in various keys, the interval of an octave is chosen for the new melody, often doubled in the bass. The decrescendo is symbolized by everything being played on the Swell. Drama is heightened by triplets appearing in the accompaniment, and then the Canon reëmerges on the Great, again at the interval of a 5th. Introduction of daring chromaticism continues the trancelike state of this piece but gives way to a gentle repetitive ending. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (23.1 MB). [4:30] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 This chorale is a simple but elegant trio for SW Oboe (et al.) and flute stops. Disclosure: the Pedal seemed to lag a bit, so a 64th rest was subtracted from that part at the beginning, and added to the last pedal note at the end, to simulate what a live player would instinctively do in the same situation. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (8.8 MB). [1:50] HW1 Buxtehude, Dietrich: Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist, BuxWV 209 Lightly ornamented chorale tune played on the Swell Oboe accompanied by Great Stopped Diapason 8' + Dulciana 8' and Pedal Bourdon 16' + Flute 8', illustrating the tremulant which affects the whole organ. The calm prayer-like mode is occasionally interrupted by ecstatic outbursts. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (9.7 MB). [2:9] HW1 Karg-Elert, Sigfrid: Ach Gott und Herr, Op. 65, No. 34 The gentle rocking accompaniment is derived from the first 4 notes of the Chorale, and is used in both inversions. Chorale appears in the pedal. Chromatic alterations and dynamic instructions point it in the sentimental direction despite these Baroque devices. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (9.3 MB). [1:50] HW1 Buxtehude, Dietrich: Passacaglio in D minor, BuxWV 161 This is the most famous of the three ground bass pieces by Buxtehude, and shows the following innovation: the theme in the pedal changes keys 3 times: d minor, F Major, a minor, and back to d minor, with clear modulations between each. And at times it's heartbreakingly lovely. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (26.0 MB). [5:33] HW1 Stanford, C. V.: Prelude 4, Op. 101 No. 4 Featuring the Swell Oboe 8' and Gambe 8' with various flues from the Great to simulate a 3-manual organ, this prelude is marked "Andante tranquillo." Many thanks to Tom O'Driscoll for the score. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (11.8 MB). [2:36] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, BWV 647 This Schübler chorale is a transcription from the fourth verse of Cantata 93. Registration here is unusual: The top two-three voices are played an octave higher on the Great, the left hand provides a pseudo bass part based on the 16' Bourdon, and the Chorale is played in the Pedal coupled to the Swell. Impulse reverberation has been added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (18.2 MB). [3:32] HW1 Vierne, Louis: Arabesque, Op. 31, No. 15 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. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (21.7 MB). [5:0] Midi file available. HW1 Krebs, Johann Ludwig: Trio in Em, Br II:31 Unusual shifting of keys, rhythmic variety, a rondo-like form, and a chance to enjoy the abundant intertwining of the three divisions. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (32.1 MB). [5:35] HW1 Brahms, Johannes: Prelude and Fugue in G minor The second of a pair of Preludes and Fugues. Wonderfully improvisatory throughout, with flashes of virtuosity in both manuals and pedals. Impulse reverberation has been added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (31.1 MB). [5:33] HW1 Reger, Max: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, Op. 67, No. 3 Played on flutes and strings, the lyrical accompaniment makes a good foil for the Chorale in the Pedal. As suggested in the score, the repeat is slightly louder. The tremulant for the entire organ, in old Gospel style, disappears near the end, and a 16' sneaks in on the last pedal note. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (9.7 MB). [2:1] HW1 Mendelssohn, Felix: Sonata VI, Finale Although the entire Sonata is based on "Vater Unser," Mendelssohn chose to make an expressive and restful piece on unrelated ideas. Independent Pedal remains the same throughout, but various combinations of Great Flues are explored, always coupled to the same expressive Swell. Impulse reverberation added. WAV file is available in RAR format: here (10.9 MB). [2:35] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue ("Wedge") in E minor, BWV 548 Heroic chord-punctuated recitative passages alternating with exhilarating episodes. The fugue 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. Together they constitute one of the most mature masterworks of J.S. Bach which add great stature to the organ repertoire. Impulse reverberation added. [14:18] HW1