Album insights
David Johnson's "Trumpet Tune in F" from his collection of wedding music opens Christopher Herrick's first edition of Seasonal Music in appropriately solemn fashion. Johnson, a Texas native, served as a music professor at Arizona State University in Tempe and as an organist at Trinity Episcopal Church in Phoenix for many years, with a repertoire including numerous organ and choral works.
Similar to Widor and Lefébure-Wély, Alexandre Guilmant belonged to an organ dynasty of players and builders. He began playing at St. Nicolas Church in Boulogne-sur-Mer at twelve, succeeding his father. Guilmant's extensive tours brought international acclaim as a performer and composer. His "Deuxième Offertoire sur des Noëls" reflects on four Christmas carols without crossing the boundaries of good taste, showcasing diverse musical techniques.
Gaston Litaize, taught by Marcel Dupré and Henri Büsser, won the Rossini Prize in 1936 for his cantata "Fra Angelico” and was a Prix de Rome runner-up in 1938. His "Variations sur un Noël angevin" exhibit impressive rhythmic invention and a rich tonal palette, demonstrating his technical prowess.
Joseph Bonnet, a student of Guilmant and contemporary of Dupré, composed concert pieces rather than liturgical music. His Op. 10 piece "In Memoriam – Titanic" serves as a tribute to the Titanic tragedy. Bonnet's intricate composition skillfully evokes the atmosphere of the disaster, culminating in a poignant tribute to the lost souls.
Sigfrid Karg-Elert, a Leipzig-based musician, was largely self-taught, renowned for his musical expression on various instruments, especially the organ. His interpretation of "Nearer my God to Thee" diverges from Bonnet's, delving into a more visual and cinematic portrayal of the event. Increasing dissonance and frantic musical sequences build tension, leading to a majestic conclusion.
Julius Reubke's "Sonata on the Psalm 94" is a cornerstone of his repertoire, showcasing remarkable technical prowess at a young age. The sonata, inspired by Liszt's work, weaves verses of Psalm 94 into a compelling musical narrative, exploring dramatic themes and harmonic complexities.
Lefébure-Wély, known for his joyful and lighthearted organ compositions, played a significant role in Parisian musical circles. His "Offertoire pour le temps de Noël" captures the celebratory spirit of Christmas, featuring traditional variations with a minor key interlude.
Herrick's program concludes with two renditions of Martin Luther's Christmas hymn. Johann Pachelbel’s lively prelude and Garth Edmundson's grand toccata offer contrasting yet equally vibrant interpretations of this timeless melody, embodying musical richness akin to medieval art and stained glass windows, respectively.