My composition "Homage" was written in memory of Henry Purcell, inspired by the 300th anniversary of the composer's death. As a composer, it is always an honor for me to pay tribute to a revered master of the past. I feel a particularly strong affinity for Purcell's musical language – his works are characterized by original melodies, inventiveness, and striking motifs. The combination of folk-like themes, such as Scottish and Irish melodies, with a profoundly religious atmosphere fascinates me, as does his harmonic diversity, the use of parallel sevenths, and the rhythmic energy created by triplets and dotted figures.
Three central themes from Purcell's work serve as the basis of my composition. The "Dance of the Furies" from "Dido and Aeneas" stands out clearly with echo effects for the organ (Allegro from bar 13). Hidden in the pedal is the theme of the "Triumphal Dance" from the same opera, which carries the musical structure from bar 69 (Più mosso). Purcell's famous "Trumpet Tune" also appears in rich detail within my own theme. My aim was to capture Purcell's shimmering musical atmosphere using modern means.
Registration recommendations are intended as a guide and depend on the specific organ. These pieces were composed as moderately difficult organ preludes for concerts and church services, commissioned by Bärenreiter Verlag, with the intention of creating a link between demanding concert repertoire and more accessible church music. The diversity of chorales resonates in my arrangements, deliberately departing from traditional chorale preludes.
These short works were composed in 1994, commissioned by the Bremen Organ Society. They are characterized by concise themes and varied rhythmic and tonal contrasts. The "Little Chorale Partita" was written at the suggestion of organists who inquired about suitable repertoire for church musicians. The goal was to realize the emotional range of the chorales in a diverse way and to provide a varied cycle for worship and concert performances.
These short works were composed in 1994, commissioned by the Bremen Organ Society. Originally conceived as organ interludes for my "Missa cum populo," the Versetti are also used in concerts, particularly during the Offertory and Communion. The selection of Gregorian themes lends the Versetti a festive aura. The works are versatile for both liturgical and concert performances and highlight their contrasting soundscapes.
On the occasion of Pope John Paul II's visit to Prague, I composed two festive organ preludes on the Gregorian themes "Ecce sacerdos magnus" and "I deo jure jurando." The jubilant musical language suited the solemn atmosphere and emphasized the organ's festive tonal range.
The idea for "Mutations" for one or two organs was inspired by my fascination with sonic contrasts and spatial effects. Commissioned by the Welsh Arts Council for a festival in Cardiff in 1980, these pieces emphasize the stylistic contrast between large and small organs through varying tonal richness and diverse styles.