Though J.S. Bach (1685-1750) didn't travel very far in his lifetime, he nevertheless absorbed international idioms into his compositions. The Prelude in G opens with a dramatic solo of arpeggios, similar to violin music, representing an Italian influence. Also reflecting Italian influence is the loose ritornello form employed in this opening work, though it can probably be better analyzed as a working out of conventional toccata elements - tonic, dominant and final pedal point - into a tightly organized movement for whose cohesion themes are reused in the course of the movement. The character of the Prelude is jovial, light hearted, and makes for a lovely recital opener.

The matching Fugue consists of a subject that sounds like a theme awaiting words. Early Bach biographer Philipp Spitta heard a resemblance to the opening chorus of Cantata 21. The repeated note fugue subject is rather unusual and is more characteristic of string writing, and the counterpoint is worked out in a thick, dramatic fashion. A triumphant fifth voice (quinta vox) is added at the coda, typical procedure for Bach.

C�sar Franck (1822-1890) is considered the father of the French symphonic style of organ composition. In 1858 he was appointed organist titulaire of the newly completed church of Sainte-Clotilde, the first large neo-Gothic church to be built in France, a position he held until his death. In this church, on 19 December 1859, with the organist Louis Lef�bure-W�ly, Franck inaugurated one of Cavaill�-Coll's finest instruments. Very rapidly his after-service improvisations became a public attraction. With the inspiration of this new organ at his disposal, Franck began a new phase in his career, the first tangible results being his Six pi�ces d'orgue published in 1868, of which the Fantaisie in Cis the first. The Fantaisie contains four sections. The melodic line of the opening section is primarily drawn from the tonic chord; the second theme enters as a canon. The final section of the Fantaisie is a serene Adagio, which is based both harmonically and melodically to a great degree on the C major chord.

Remaining in France for the close of this recital, we hear music by Th�odore Dubois (1837-1924). The peppy Toccata in G Major is the third piece from his collection of Twelve Pieces for Organ, published in 1889. Beginning and ending in G, this sprightly work is distinguished by a central section in the bright key of B major. Dubois was choirmaster at Sainte-Clotilde from 1863-69 (concurrent with Franck's time there), and later served the l'�glise de la Madeleine (where Good Shepherd Choir sang this past summer).

We have launched an exciting new concert series each Sunday afternoon throughout the academic year.  Though these concerts are primariliy organ recitals, 

many different genres of music will be celebrated throughout the year.  

Please spread the word and invite your friends!

All Sunday afternoon concerts are at 4:15pm and admission is free, 

however, donations are gratefully accepted.

22 December 2013 - 5:00pm - A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmastide

This is an annual favorite of Good Shepherd parishioners and community members alike.  Nine lessons that trace man's fall in the Garden of Eden all the way through the birth of Christ promising redeption are read by representatives of parish ministries and the community.  Familiar Christmas carols are sung by the congregation and the choir sings settings both old and new to help tell the story.  Please arrive early to find a good seat, as this is one of our most popular services of the year.

28 February 2014 - 7:30pm - Organist Olivier Latry in Recital

Olivier Latry, one of the three organistes-titulaires de Grande-Orgue of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, will be playing a recital in Good Shepherd on Friday 28 February 2014. This remarkable event will be co-sponsored between the Lexington and Louisville Chapters of the American Guild of Organists as well as Good Shepherd. Latry is also organ professor at Paris Conservatory and is considered to be one of the finest organists in the world. You may read more info about this dynamic musician here.