The first of today's three Bach chorales originated as cantata movements, respectively from Cantata 6 (for the Second Day of Easter, 2 April 1725) and Cantata 140 (for the last Sunday of the church year, 25 November 1731). Both movements were later transcribed for organ. It is traditional to believe that Bach himself was the arranger and adventurous post-modern musicology to think otherwise. Yet it is tempting to believe that perhaps the second-best organist of the eighteenth century time, Bach's eldest son Friedemann, was responsible for the arrangement. This would explain the rather unidiomatic pedal parts, as Friedemann was likely more progressive in this respect than his dad. The magnificently balanced trio on the Gloria hymn "Allein Gott" on the other hand is no doubt an original organ work, although it really should have been a cantata movement for two violins and continuo.

A symphonic poem for organ written by one of the foremost Dutch organists and composers of the second half of the twentieth century, Mane nobiscum is the centrepiece of a triptych about the risen Christ. The work recalls the marvellous parable only found in the Gospel of Luke. Usually referred to as "The Pilgrims to Emmaus," the story really should be called "The First Supper." We hear the two "pilgrims" walk their mournful journey, then the conversation between Christ (a solo for the Flute stop) and the disciples (a lively duet). As they are about to share supper, the Lord's Prayer-cited as Gregorian chant-is interrupted at "Panem nostrum" (Our daily bread). Stammering those words over and again, the disciples recognize the risen Christ-as He vanishes from their sight. The work finishesin exaltation ("Were not our hearts burning in us?")

Despite a problematic move during World War 2, Henk Badings was surely the most productive and one of the best Dutch composers of the twentieth century. The little "Cantilena" was originally written for a most remarkable organ with no fewer than 31 instead of twelve notes per octave. Since there is only one such instrument in the Milky Way, the composer later transcribed it for "normal" organ. Even without the subtleties of the 31 notes the piece has a charm all of its own.

Since retiring from a most remarkable teaching career in the mid-1980s, Piet Kee-at 86 the grand old man of Dutch organ art-has increasingly come to fore as one of the great contemporary composers for "his" instrument, often in unconventional combinations with other instruments. The Fantasy on Wachet auf, however, stems from a much earlier period. With its clear, concise form, daring dissonances, and playful "improvisations" it is true masterpiece. Superficially reminiscent of composers such as Paul Hindemith and Hugo Distler, at heart Kee comes close to the wit and creativity of the most underestimated composer of all time-Joseph Haydn.

6 October 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Jan-Piet Knijff. Free admission.

                        Jan-Piet Knijff is Teaching Assistant in Classics, University of Kentucky,

                        Latin Teacher, Lexington Catholic High School, and Artistic Director,

                        Armidale Beethoven Festival, Australia.           

13 October 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Lisa Lewis. Free admission.

                        Lisa Lewis is Minister of Music at St Luke's Episcopal Church, Anchorage, Kentucky.

20 October 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Michael Rintamaa. Free admission.

                        Michael Rintamaa is Director of Music at Central Christian Church, Lexington.

27 October 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Glenna Metcalfe. Free admission.

                        Glenna Metcalfe is Minister of Music and Worship at Faith Baptist Church,

                        Georgetown, Kentucky, and teaches in Scott County Schools.

3 November 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Maria LeRose. Free admission.

                        Maria LeRose is Organist/Choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Church, Danville, Kentucky,

                        and a DMA organ student at the University of Kentucky.     

10 November 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Mark DeAlba. Free admission.

                        Mark DeAlba is an undergraduate organ student at University of Kentucky

                        and organist at Central Baptist Church, Lexington.

17 November 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ/Trumpet Recital by Roy Nance and David Goins. Free admission.

                        Roy Nance has recently retired as Minister of Music at First United Methodist

                        Church, Frankfort, Kentucky. David Goins is the newly appointed Minister

                        of Music at the same institution.

24 November 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Rob Vanover. Free admission.

                        Rob Vanover is Organist at Centenary United Methodist Church, Lexington,

                        and is on the music staff at Lexington Catholic High School.

1 December 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Owen Sammons. Free admission.

                        Owen Sammons is Director of Arts & Music at St Peter's Episcopal Church, Paris, Kentucky.

8 December 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by Jane Johnson. Free admission.

                        Jane Johnson is Organist at Crestwood Christian Church, Lexington,

                        and is Director of Student Affairs, College of Fine Arts, University of Kentucky.

15 December 2013 - 4:15pm - Organ Recital by John Linker. Free admission.

                        John Linker is Organist/Choirmaster at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington.    

                        Program

                        Widor / Symphonie gothique, Op. 70

22 December 2013 - NO CONCERT TODAY.

                        5:00pm A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

24 December 2013 (Christmas Eve) - 6:15pm - Organ Recital by John Linker. Free admission.

                        John Linker is Organist/Choirmaster at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington.    

                        Program

                        Widor / Symphonie gothique, Op. 70

29 December 2013 - NO CONCERT TODAY.