Dr. Rene Schmidt offers Christmastide selections from organist Annette Albrecht’s organ collection at CMI:
- Larry Visser: Four French Couplets on “Angels We Have Heard on High,” Homage to Franҁois Couperin and Nicolas de Grigny (Wayne Leupold WL600077).
This piece is fun! Stylistically inspired by the French Classical School, there is a Plein Jeu, a Fugue, a Récit de Tierce en taille, and a Grand Jeu, all based on the familiar carol, Gloria (“Angels We Have Heard on High”).
- Walter Pelz: Variations on From Heaven Above (Augsburg 11-8773).
The popular story is that Martin Luther created this tune (Von Himmel hoch) to be sung by his many children as they decorated the family’s Christmas tree, i.e., sort of a sixteenth-century Christmas pageant. Pelz’s version includes the chorale, nine variations, and the stanzas which inspired each setting. The piece, or parts of it, could be used in a variety of ways: as a hymn introduction, as service music or a concert piece, or performed with the congregation and the organ alternating verses.
- Robert Powell: A Medieval Carol Celebration, Seven Christmas Dances for Organ (Wayne Leupold WL600128).
The carol originally was a circle dance and Powell’s creations reflect that heritage. The contemplative (There is no Rose) as well as the energetic (Nova, Nova) are included in this collection, commissioned by the Second North Carolina Organ Festival.
- David Conte: Meditation on “Silent Night” (E. C. Schirmer 4953).
What is Christmas without a rendition of Silent Night? Conte’s setting is very accessible and will be a congregational pleaser.
- Dennis Janzer: Fanfare and Toccata on “Joy to the World” (Vivace 315).
Joy to the World (Antioch) is a perennial seasonal favorite. Janzer’s ecstatic setting is reminiscent of the school of the French Toccata.
