giwro
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Posts posted by giwro
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I have ample space and bandwidth on my host - I'd be happy to host it if Manders doesn't want to (and if you good folks don't mind!)
-G
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Here in the USA it is often sung to the tune Beecher.
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Only in New York!
To equal surprise and delight, I was pleased to find that the art of organ-composition lives on in America, from the pen of a composer of whom I have never previously heard. I think I recognise the still lingering influence of Hindemith from his many years of teaching composition at Yale University, but the fact that the composer is engaged on 24 Preludes & Fugues for organ, is quite significant, and more importantly, they can be downloaded on the web.
Therefore, have a listen to the Prelude and Fugue in B, by Henry Martin, in the same "pipedreams" programme.
MM
Thanks for pointing this out, MM - Henry Martin is an amazingly gifted composer (and he's already successfully completed 24 P+F for the piano a number of years ago, so he's well qualified for the task!)
Since you mention his organ works, I'll let you know you can hear recordings of the first 4 P+F HERE as well as order scores if you are so inclined.
I normally refrain from such self-promotion (I'm Henry's publisher for the P+F) since when I first started on this board I made a similar casual mention and was rather unkindly taken to task for it.
Henry has also just recently completed #5 and #6, which are not published yet, but you can hear recordings HERE and HERE.
Although Henry is not an organist, he's a fabulous pianist, and has carefully studied the potential of the instrument and consulted with some very fine organists to help make the music more idiomatic.
Interestingly enough, he's left registration to the performer, and that can mean some very widely divergent sounds (and unique insights from the various people who have played the music!).
I hope you enjoy the music - Henry is slowly gaining recognition as an organ composer (the first 2 P+F were premiered at the 2008 American Guild of Organists convention)
Best to all,
- G
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Well, I don't know about new music, but this year in May I celebrate 20 years of professional music ministry (and all but about 3 of those as a full-time church musician with that as my primary income!)
I'm seriously considering doing a concert in May to celebrate - it would be mostly organ, but also with piano, vocal and composition as those are also things that have figured prominently over the last years.
There are a LOT of things that I'd like to learn, but probably in 5 months not likely to happen....
<chuckle>
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Got a "page not found" error, Jonathan.
Gah.
Try this:
http://www.evensongmusic.net/audio/beaulie...lieu_Sym1-2.mp3
Enjoy!
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As part of my research for the Organ Symphonie book, I am constantly
finding wonderful gems that very few have heard... this is one of them!
Édith Beaulieu has produced a fine Organ Symphonie, written in 5 movements in cyclical form.
I give you here for your listening pleasure movement 2:
I'm really very impressed by this work - it reminds me a LOT of Vierne...
starting very soft and lovely it builds to a staggering fortissimo before returning
to the soft sounds of the beginning.
Enjoy, and best wishes for the new year!
- G
(N.B. yes, the file is posted with permission!)
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Greetings and best Christmas wishes from snowy and cold Wisconsin, USA.
Thanks to our hosts and all who participate in the discussion!
-G
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I think Boston is somewhat further down the tree now, especially since the closure of the organ department at the New England Conservatory. My American colleagues regularly nominate Seattle as THE organ city of the US.
Bazuin
I think the organ center in the USA is probably up for debate, depending on who you talk with and what their leanings are as far as style!
One thing I have found constant is that most folks from across the pond honestly don't have a real grasp on how huge a place the USA is...
in a country so large there are a multiplicity of flavors of organs, performers and regional predilections - and widely divergent culture.
I've watched the organ scene for over 30 years in the USA, and I'd have to vehemently say we are past the worst of the Neo-Baroque -
there has been a steady return to warmer sounds (yea, even tonal decadence in some quarters!) and many of the big trackers being built
now (and the smaller as well) are able to do justice to a wider range of repertoire.
There are still isolated incidents of someone spec-ing a totally unenclosed Baroque-inspired organ for an Episcopal (Anglican) parish, but they are more
rare as those folks who loved the shriekers slowly pass to their eternal reward.
~~~
What I've seen now is a that generally speaking, the best features of the Orgelbewegung movement have left their mark - choruses voiced with
greater clarity (but now minus the excessive spitting and chiffing) and a better awareness of the need for complete choruses. The influence of the
pendulum swing back to Romanticism has given us more 8' tone (but without losing the upperwork, which was one of Skinner's challenges, especially in his
most symphonic instruments)
As much as I disliked the excesses of the worst of the Neo-Baroque, I hope some of the examples are preserved for posterity - they did, after all, inspire a
certain style of composition and playing, and are part of our history and heritage.
Best,
- G
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Ask what ye will - I've lived here all my life, and been from one side of this massive country to the other. It's the least I can do to satisfy your curiosity, since you all have generously let me eavesdrop on the organ scene on your side of the pond via this forum
Cheers,
- G
There I was, pinned to a chair by a sleeping kitten; getting bored and starting to suffer cramp, when an amusing thought came to mind.We're all familiar with, "Only in New York" and "Welcome to Hollywood," but what do we know about the American organ-scene; the performers, organs, composers, organ-builders and recital (concert) venues?
Has anyone been there for any length of time apart from me?
I happen to know that there is more to America than bad films, ham acting, burgers and Budweiser!
Oh dear! This could run for years.
MM
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I had a wonderful conversation with Rachel at the 2008 American Guild of Organists Convention - she is indeed a gifted composer as well as an amazing performer and a kind and humble person. I've since corresponded with her a number of times, and she has been most helpful to give me information about her compositions, recently of note, she has written her first Symphonie for organ, and is currently working on a 2nd (!)
She also introduced me to the music of her colleague Edith Beaulieu, who has also written a wonderful Symphonie, parts of which remind me very much of Vierne (short clips available HERE )
It is wonderful to see these composers getting recognition - they are talented for sure.
BR
-G
I've just been looking through some music I've just bought written by Rachel Laurin, a Canadian composer. It's quite superb stuff, and to a degree not of it's time, sounding much older and more mature. Pieces worth looking at are:I love this stuff, very impressionistic and enjoyable to play, with strong tunes, lush harmonies, imaginative and effective writing. The Suite Breve has some really beautiful stuff in it. Most of the music can be bought through UMP and the P & F from Wayne Leupold.
Hector
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....then there was the service leaflet one Pentecost that proudly proclaimed that today was not WHITsunday, but... um...
well... look on your keyboard and find instead the letter "S" instead of "W"
so close...
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I've had trouble warming to the 2nd Symphonie myself - I prefer the 1st... I have a private recording of it if you want to have a listen and see if you like it (it really is more cohesive IMHO)
Of the the rest of his works, I'd definitely recommend the 24 pieces - they are VERY well written and quite useful as service music (as well as being fairly easy, although not without an occasional challenge).
The 2 preludes and Fugues are also wonderful, as are his Variations on a Noel (easier than Dupré). The Prelude, Andante and Toccata is also nice. I've heard or seen just about everything he's written, and I think Sym. 2 is probably the weakest of the lot, although not worth bing forgotten.
Oh, and almost forgot - Allegro Symphonique is wonderful as well!
Drop me a PM if you want some more info!
Cheers,
- G
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Hello friends
I may have asked this before, but if I did, I don't remember getting a response
Anyone have access to music of Joseph Reveyron? I've found a few of his scores, (i.e. the tpt+organ and Vln + Organ works as wellas the
volume from UE of several pieces) but many remain almost impossible to find, even by interlibrary loan (there are some in the US Library of
Congress, but they refuse to lend them out on ILL, even to a US university!)
I'd be pleased to purchase the music if I could only find it!
Best to all,
- G
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Not only have I used them, I've also sent a piece or two Michael's way for reissue - he's a fellow
reprinter of rare scores and a fine fellow - we've had numerous friendly exchanges over the years
about rare organ music.
Michael is passionate about preservingthe original engravings, so his reissues are actually restorations
of the old scores - he scans at high resolution and restores at the pixel level. Scores are then printed
on acid-free quality paper!
It is, IMHO the finest in digital craftsmanship. I applaud his dedication (although I choose to do my reprints
as new typeset scores) he certainly turns out a fine product.
Best,
- G
Has anyone used these folk - in the USA? I found some interesting pieces on their website, ordered and had a nice email and refund when they charged too much for postage!A
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I have a friend who collects Carillons written for Organ - he's found a staggering number of them. I thought it might be interesting to share what we know and see if there are any he's missed!
I have links to Audio files of some of these, I'll post for those that I do.
Böellmann - Carillon
Dupre - Carillon
Eymieu - Carillon
Faulkes - Carillon
Fleuret - Carillon
Jacob, G - Carillon
Mulet - Carillon-Sortie
Murril - Carillon
Matthey - Toccata-Carillon
Nibelle - Carillon Orleanais
Orwig - Toccata-Carillon
Sowerby - Carillon
Van den Berg - Carillon
Vierne - Carillon de Westminster, Carillon de Longpoint
I'm sure in my haste I've forgotten a number of them - any one want to add?
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I'm pleased to share a new recording of my Toccata and Fugue in Gm
This piece was written in homage to the great French organ tradition, especially the sounds and aesthetic of the organs of Cavaille-Coll. The structure of the Fugue was influenced by the Fugues of Marcel Dupré, (especially op. 36 # 2 in Ab) and the Toccata of Maurice Durufle from his Suite op. 5
Enjoy!
- G
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...speaking of Organ symphonies,
just appeared....Wow.
Mulet and Vierne had a love child?
<chuckle>
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Sounds a bit harder than it looks, you say?
I have several for you to consider:
Armand Vivet's Toccata (you can get a copy HERE)
An interesting new contemporary Tpt Tune in 7 (get it HERE)
Leonardo Ciampa has written a luscious setting of Veni Emmanuel (available HERE) and a totally OTT Victorian March (here)
Charles Quef's "Pour Paques" (a setting of O Filii) makes either a festive prelude or Postlude for Easter (here)
I could go on... but those come immediately to mind.... I'll probably add more as I think of it!
Best,
- G
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Wonderful to hear!
Andreas is a good soul - he's helped me find a LOT of music (and he's always glad to do it, and is as insatiably curious about it
as am I!)
As for Crescendo, the proprietor is a chorister in Australia, and a passionate advocate for keeping music in print. He has a number of further releases planned, and I'm pleased to recommend him.
You are right, of course - it would be nice if our world functioned like this on a more regular basis. Let's try to make our little corner of it work that way whenever we can!
My best,
- G
Thanks, Giwro, for the very helpful advice in the posting immediately above. I found Andreas Willscher's website and sent him an e-mail, apologising for writing in English. Almost by return I got a very nice, friendly reply, in very good English, attaching some pdf files of his own organ compositions and promising to try to locate the Kromolicki Theme and Variations for me in the next few days. Today - no more than 2 or 3 days later at the most - he sent me the entire piece (19 pages) as pdf documents.Wouldn't the world be such a nicer place to live in if everyone was so helpful, friendly and co-operative? But I've always been told that really good musicians and really great people nearly always are like that.
Malcolm
PS I ordered the Langlais "Fete" from Crescendo Music in Australia and it arrived today within about one week. Also excellent customer service.
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Thanks for the links for the Langlais piece. Does anyone have any possible sources for the Kromolicki Theme and Variations, please? Jane Parker Smith has recorded this fine piece, playing from a photocopy left to her as part of a legacy and she has no idea, or way of telling from her copy, who the publisher was.
Malcolm
Augsburg [u.a.] Böhm c 1934
The only copy I find is in a library in Muenchen.
If you can get ahold of Andreas Willscher, he might be able to get you a copy, or at least
tell you where to go.
Incidentally, Kromolicki wrote a couple of Concert Etudes, they are quite a blast....
the Staccato is my favorite of the 2.
Best,
- G
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This is also in the 'St Cecilia Organ Series' published by H W Gray. If my memory serves me correctly, 'Justadad' was enquiring on this board about this piece two years ago - and a Google of 'Fete Langlais' will yield that thread. It's available from http://www.crescendomusicpubs.com.au and from another dealer online.
Do note that the copy from Crescendo is a legitimate reprint - I've known the owner for a number of years, and he has gone to the trouble to negotiate with the original publisher to make everything properly legal.
- G
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As you can imagine I am reluctant, where a piece of music has been published, to send copies to someone, as there are certain copyright issues there. I actually have the Edmundson, in a real copy, but am not keen to scan it. H W Gray, or Warner Brothers Music, which now owns H W Gray I believe does not have it in their catalogue, they might, I suspect print a facsimile copy.
The Berveiller, as you say is another story. I would love to have this, and am happy to pay the copyright owners for the pleasure. Will PM you.
Jonathan
I can understand your point of view - and I support it!
Often publishers will give permission for a work to be copied (sometimes even THEY have lost their last copy!) and in that case I encourage you to make a copy for your friend.
One thing I canNOT stand, however, is the company who refuses to provide either permission to make a copy or to supply an archive reproduction (or worse yet, simply ignores a legitimate request from someone trying to do the right thing - yes, it DOES happen more frequently than you might think!).
In cases like this, I have no problem going ahead and supplying someone with a copy - I merely ask that they document their unsuccessful attempt(s) to secure a copy from the publisher.As for the Berveiller, I spoke with an owner of a CD company this summer, and he has held mechanical royalties for several YEARS in trust for a recording he made of the Mouvement, and has never been able to ascertain where or who to send them to....
Sadly, the same confusion is likely the reason that the piece remains unpublished - no one can seem to figure out who owns the rights(!)
My best,
- G
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Its great to see such acts of kindness still exist in this world.
Here goes, I have a couple of requests, firstly for an acquaintance who has been trying to obtain Edmundson's 'Vom Himmel Hoch' which appears to be out of print, and secondly for me, Berveiller 'Mouvement'.
Any help given would be very much appreciated.
Jonathan
The Edmundson is in my local Uni library - if your friend can get permission to have a copy made, I can scan a PDF to you.
The Berveiller is another story - it was (as you are probably aware) never published. I might be able to point you in the
right direction there, but you'll need to PM me with your email address and I'll discuss it with you...
My best to all,
- G
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I'll chime in here again to say that if any of you ever have difficulty getting scores (especially out of print stuff, but even if it is still in print) I'm always game to give a hand. Especially if you have issues with a USA supplier, I can accept payment via PayPal and then send you the score or CD when I receive it.
I've tracked down some pretty rare scores over the years - once I purchased a copy of the 6 Organ Symphonies of Gunno Södersten from a chap in Stockholm - he sent me the score with an invoice asking me to put $50 US (paper money!) in an envelope and send to him... oddly enough, it arrived safely(!)
I've also written composers and heirs of composers, former students and successors... all in search of rare (and sometimes unpublished) works. Although this scenario is a bit less likely to always succeed, I've often found a welcome reception and a willingness to share knowledge. One thing is for certain - if I really want a score, I usually can get it (although it might take several years of trying!)
Although it has been oft mentioned before, I'll repeat it:
Such kindness and collegiality is wonderful, and one of the truly great things about the Internet.
Best to all,
- G
In cases like this, I have no problem going ahead and supplying someone with a copy - I merely ask that they document their unsuccessful attempt(s) to secure a copy from the publisher.
Youtube
in General discussion
Posted
Just to give you all a little taste of what things look like on this side of the pond on Easter in my church:
Not what most of you are accustomed to, I'm sure, but hopefully it gives you a bit of an idea of what things
are like in my church....
Cheers,
- G