Matthew wrote:
Would someone record a few hymns with the organ demo's next time?
It seems that you and I both have an affinity for hymns. I think the trouble is that few people really "get into" hymns. I
do! I have had the good fortune to hear many fine organists play hymn services and use their talents and inventiveness to covey the tenor of the words and spirit of the music. I truly love hymns and good hymn playing.
In this vein, I have produced a CD of mostly hymns. I am giving it to my friends and hope that they will be uplifted as I am in the music of hymnody. I have used the three-manual realization by Jonathan Orwig of the Schantz organ in First Baptist Church, Riverside, California. This is my only purchased sample set, and I find it satifying. It's what I'm used to: the Eclectic American Organ. I'd like to include some samples on my web site, but, unfortunately, there is not enough space on the AOL web space I use.
Here's the playlist:
01 “Sleepers, Wake!” A Voice Astounds Us – Wachet auf (P. Nicolai) J. G. Walther, J. S. Bach
02 Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending - Helmsley (A. Arne)
03 What Is This Lovely Fragrance? – Quelle est cette odeur agréable? (J. Gay) P. Manz
04 In Dulci Jubilo (German Carol) P. Manz, J. S. Bach
05 In the Bleak Midwinter – Cranham (G. Holst)
06 Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Werde munter (J. Schop) J. S. Bach
07 Kyrie eleison (Traditional Plainsong); Eucharistia: Meditation on a Plainsong Kyrie G. Cassler
08 Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness – Schmücke dich (J. Cruger) J. S. Bach
09 Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands – Christ lag in Todesbanden (Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn) J. S. Bach
10 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah – Cwm Rhondda (J. Hughes) P. Manz
11 All Things Bright and Beautiful – Royal Oak (M. Shaw) arr. C. Votaw
12 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say – Third Mode Melody (T. Tallis)
13 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Ein feste Burg (M. Luther) J. Pachelbel, J. S. Bach
14 Concerto In G (BWV 592) – J. S. Bach after a concerto in G for strings by Prince Johann Ernst of Sachsen-Weimar