Due
to family health issues, I will no longer be able to serve responsibly as Dean
of the Sandusky Chapter AGO. I would be
able to accept the position of Sub Dean, and will of course remain a chapter
member.
Henry Kihlken
Dean
Thursday, September 27
FROM THE DEAN - SEPTEMBER 2012
Henry Kihlken
Dean
POSITIONS OPEN
Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 East Harbor Rd.
(Rt. 163), Port Clinton is looking for an organist. They
are seeking an experienced church musician, skilled in piano and/or organ, to
work with a warm, welcoming congregation. This is a part-time position. For more information, go to their website at www.firelandschurch.org, or If interested, contact Pastor Jeanne Gay at 419-734-6211.
Organist & Choir position open at St. Stephen UCC in Sandusky , Ohio
DUES
Charles
Scroggy, our treasurer, reminds us that 2010-2011 AGO dues are past due. Several members have already sent him their
dues. Several members still have
outstanding dues. A nnual
dues should now be sent to our Treasurer, Charles Scroggy, at 218 W. Bogart
Rd., Sandusky .
Regular memberships are $58
plus $15 for local membership; total $73. Special
memberships for those over 65 are $40.50 plus the local dues of $15; total $55.50.
Partners, second member to
the same address, pay only $33 plus the $15 local dues; total $48.
Full-time students are $39.00.
Charles would appreciate your sending your check to him promptly so the
national office doesn’t haunt him. Dues
were due on June 30 of this year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday,
October 14, 2012, 4:00 pm, Todd Wilson, Organist, at Zion Lutheran Church on
the corner of Columbus Ave and Jefferson St. in Sandusky. There will be a $15.00 charge per
person. Students (K-12) free.
Sunday,
November 11, 2012, 4:00 pm, Terra Brass Choir and Randy Ruthsatz, Organist, at
Grace Episcopal Church, 315 Wayne St., Sandusky. Concert is free and open to the public.
Sunday,
December 30, 2012, 2:00 pm, Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 510 Columbus Ave.,
Sandusky. John Franks (Organist at Sts.
Peter & Paul) will direct Sts. Peter & Paul Choir and other area choirs
in Benjamin Harlan’s Christmas Cantata “Nativity Suites.” Any singer is welcome to join. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons at
2:00 beginning October 14. If
interested, contact John Franks at 419-625-6655.
Sunday,
January 6, 2013, 4:00 (?) pm, Ron Gibson, Organist, at Grace Episcopal Church,
315 Wayne St., Sandusky. Concert is free
and open to the public.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR NEEDED
Due
to family health issues, Tim Claubaugh will not be able to continue as the
editor of the newsletter and website. If
you are able to help with this, please call him at St. Mary’s Church
419-625-7465 or at home 419-625-1053.
Monday, April 9
FROM THE DEAN - APRIL 2012
May Schwartz Hymn Festival, April 22, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870
May Schwartz, a native of Sandusky, Ohio, is Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, where she teaches courses in Music and Liturgy. She has also composed several Psalm tone settings which appear in the ELW Liturgical publications issued by Augsburg-Fortress.
All local Choirs are invited to attend,. Choir rehearsal will take place 1:30-3:30 in the choir loft at Zion Lutheran Church.
St. Mary’s annual Spring Concert will be presented on Sunday, May 20th
at 7:30 PM at St. Mary’s Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, Oh.
A Spring - Summer Newsletter will be issued in late May or early June.
Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870
May Schwartz, a native of Sandusky, Ohio, is Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, where she teaches courses in Music and Liturgy. She has also composed several Psalm tone settings which appear in the ELW Liturgical publications issued by Augsburg-Fortress.
All local Choirs are invited to attend,. Choir rehearsal will take place 1:30-3:30 in the choir loft at Zion Lutheran Church.
St. Mary’s annual Spring Concert will be presented on Sunday, May 20th
at 7:30 PM at St. Mary’s Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, Oh.
A Spring - Summer Newsletter will be issued in late May or early June.
Wednesday, September 28
CONCERT CANCELLED
Due to lack of interest and a medical emergency in the Dean's family, the October 9 organ recital has been cancelled.
Thursday, August 25
FROM OUR DEAN FOR SUMMER 2011
Our Summer Newsletter is, with the exception of the (tentative) schedule below, devoted entirely to a list of recommended Choral Selections for the Fall/Winter Seasons. In view of today’s downsized choirs, a generous balance of 2 and 3 part selections are included. As always, print status and price can not be guaranteed. The Fall Newsletter will stress organ repertoire. All AMSI Publications are available from Lorenz Industries on a uniprint basis.
TENATIVE PROGRAM FOR 2011-2012
Sunday, October 9, 3:00 pm, Grace Episcopal Church, Sandusky: Chapter Organ Recital
Progam TBA for February or March. Still in the planning stage.
Sunday, April 22, 4:00 pm, Zion Lutheran Church, Sandusky: Hymn Festival with May Schwartz.
Progam TBA for February or March. Still in the planning stage.
Sunday, April 22, 4:00 pm, Zion Lutheran Church, Sandusky: Hymn Festival with May Schwartz.
DEANS LIST: FALL & WINTER
ALL SAINTS:
“Onward Ye Saints” – Robert Wetzler (SATB, Organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind). A noble and dignified melody, unison first stanza, SATB second stanza , third stanza in unison with an SATB conclusion. Easy to learn and a practical addition to any choral library.
“God A Dwelling Shall Prepare” (a choral adaptation of a melody from “Jephtha”) – G. F. Handel / arr. by Henry Kihlken with an original new text (SA[TB], organ) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42378). Your tenors need not be left out in this one as both TB ranges are compatible.
“Jewels” – music by George F. Boot (1820-1895) / text by William O. Cushing (1828-1902) / arr. by Henry Kihlken (SA or 2 part mixed, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41388). Simple, melodious, and direct. Easy to prepare and sing/ Also suitable for Advent as the first line “When He cometh to make you His Jewels” would indicate.
THANKSGIVING:
“With Joyful Heart and Voice” (from “24 Canons”)- by Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) / realized and arr. by Henry Kihlken (Canon for 3 voices, any combination and keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42380). Not difficult but requires careful attention.
“Now Thank We All Our God” (from “A Psalm of Thanksgiving) – Randal Thompson (SATB with piano reduction) (E. C. Schirmer No. 2746). Neo Baroque setting of the Johann Cruger chorale. Choral parts are in simple chorale style; accompaniment requires practice and preparation.
ADVENT:
“Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” (“Wachet auf”) – arr. by Carl F. Meuller (SATB with unison youth choir or soloists) (Carl Fischer CM7640). Parts intended for the youth choir may be sung in unison by the main choir; includes descant parts for soprano or tenor. Requires a large number of voices but is not difficult. Very majestic, and suitable for a Community Choral Festival or a Christmas Concert.
“Advent Carol” – Dale Wood (SATB with organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind, No. 119). Melody in Sacred Harp modal style. Very characteristic of this composer. Easy – Medium requirements.
“Awake and Be Watchful” (from the “Christmas Oratorio”) – J. S. Bach / arr. by Richard Simonds (SAB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41708). A choral arrangement of the Alto aria “Prepare Thyself, Zion.” Easy – Medium requirements.
“A Tiny Child Will Come” – Don Besig (SATB, keyboard) (Harold Flammer A-6196). No, I haven’t been out in the sun too long. This is a very lovely, melodic piece; the Besig pot is definitely not boiling over in this one. Modal harmony. Easy.
“Now Behold Emmanuel” – Henry Kihlken (SA, keyboard) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 185). Based on the ancient plainsong “Ecce Nomen Domine.” Recommended for the last Sunday in Advent. Easy.
CHRISTMAS:
“How Far is it to Bethlehem” – Geoffrey Shaw (SATB) (Novello and Co., LTD 29 031005). Preferably unaccompanied (good luck with that one), however, a reduction of the voice parts is included in the score. A choral classic. Medium requirements.
“Noel, Noel, a Boy is Born” – Natalie Sleeth (2 part – any combination, organ and optional handbells) (AMSI/Lorenz Industries No. 223). A delightful piece in Carol style. Easy. The composer of “Jazz Gloria” in a very traditional vein.
“Angels With Their Joyful Tidings” (Polish Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination, piano, optional flute) (Walton Music/Hal Leonard W2309). Light and graceful. “Gloria in Excelsis” refrain. Easy/Medium requirements.
“When Christ Our Lord Was Born” (Italian Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 198). A familiar carol which is rumored to have influenced Handel in certain sections of “The Messiah.” Easy.
“Gloria in Excelsis” (from “Missa Solemins” [1811]) – by Luigi Cherubini / arr. by Robert Ross (SATB with keyboard reduction) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41427). An excellent way to introduce your choir to a major sacred choral work by a composer who deserves to be better known. This arrangement is greatly condensed from the original. Both Latin and English texts are underlaid. Medium to Difficult requirements.
“Gloria in Excelsis” – Antonio Lotti (1667-1740) (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42160). Less difficult than the forgoing; an interesting addition to the “Gloria” repertoire. Medium requirements.
“Christ Jesus is Born” (Brazillian Folk Tune) – arr, by Robert J. Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41260). Familiar Folk Tune, found in WOV with a different text. Easy/Medium.
“O Holy Jesus, Little Child” (Mexican Carol) – arr. by Robert Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42161). Easy, delightful Hispanic Carol.
“In Dulci Jubilo” – Dietrich Buxtehude / arr. by Theron Kirk (2-part any combination, keyboard, optional 2 flutes) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 892-42147). An abridgement of a much longer setting; the melody line is ornamented but not difficult. Medium requirements.
“Hymn-Anthem on ‘Adeste Fidelis’” – Everett Titcomb (SATB, organ) (C. F. Peters 6399). Solo sections which can be sung in sectional unisons. Easy and Majestic setting.
EPIPAHNY:
“We Have Seen His Star” (from “8 Short Motets for Mixed Voices”)– Everett Titcomb (SATB) (Carl Fischer CM438). While this piece is preferably unaccompanied, the score does include a keyboard reduction. Easy motet, contrapuntal lines. A good way to introduce your choir to a linear style of choral writing. Masterful writing, not difficult at all, but requires care and attention.
“Say, Where is He Born” (from the unfinished Oratorio “Christus” – Felix Mendelssohn / ed. By Walter Ehret (SATB, piano) (Theodore Presser 312-41393). Requires some adjustment to be played on the organ. Easy / Medium.
“Onward Ye Saints” – Robert Wetzler (SATB, Organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind). A noble and dignified melody, unison first stanza, SATB second stanza , third stanza in unison with an SATB conclusion. Easy to learn and a practical addition to any choral library.
“God A Dwelling Shall Prepare” (a choral adaptation of a melody from “Jephtha”) – G. F. Handel / arr. by Henry Kihlken with an original new text (SA[TB], organ) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42378). Your tenors need not be left out in this one as both TB ranges are compatible.
“Jewels” – music by George F. Boot (1820-1895) / text by William O. Cushing (1828-1902) / arr. by Henry Kihlken (SA or 2 part mixed, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41388). Simple, melodious, and direct. Easy to prepare and sing/ Also suitable for Advent as the first line “When He cometh to make you His Jewels” would indicate.
THANKSGIVING:
“With Joyful Heart and Voice” (from “24 Canons”)- by Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) / realized and arr. by Henry Kihlken (Canon for 3 voices, any combination and keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42380). Not difficult but requires careful attention.
“Now Thank We All Our God” (from “A Psalm of Thanksgiving) – Randal Thompson (SATB with piano reduction) (E. C. Schirmer No. 2746). Neo Baroque setting of the Johann Cruger chorale. Choral parts are in simple chorale style; accompaniment requires practice and preparation.
ADVENT:
“Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” (“Wachet auf”) – arr. by Carl F. Meuller (SATB with unison youth choir or soloists) (Carl Fischer CM7640). Parts intended for the youth choir may be sung in unison by the main choir; includes descant parts for soprano or tenor. Requires a large number of voices but is not difficult. Very majestic, and suitable for a Community Choral Festival or a Christmas Concert.
“Advent Carol” – Dale Wood (SATB with organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind, No. 119). Melody in Sacred Harp modal style. Very characteristic of this composer. Easy – Medium requirements.
“Awake and Be Watchful” (from the “Christmas Oratorio”) – J. S. Bach / arr. by Richard Simonds (SAB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41708). A choral arrangement of the Alto aria “Prepare Thyself, Zion.” Easy – Medium requirements.
“A Tiny Child Will Come” – Don Besig (SATB, keyboard) (Harold Flammer A-6196). No, I haven’t been out in the sun too long. This is a very lovely, melodic piece; the Besig pot is definitely not boiling over in this one. Modal harmony. Easy.
“Now Behold Emmanuel” – Henry Kihlken (SA, keyboard) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 185). Based on the ancient plainsong “Ecce Nomen Domine.” Recommended for the last Sunday in Advent. Easy.
CHRISTMAS:
“How Far is it to Bethlehem” – Geoffrey Shaw (SATB) (Novello and Co., LTD 29 031005). Preferably unaccompanied (good luck with that one), however, a reduction of the voice parts is included in the score. A choral classic. Medium requirements.
“Noel, Noel, a Boy is Born” – Natalie Sleeth (2 part – any combination, organ and optional handbells) (AMSI/Lorenz Industries No. 223). A delightful piece in Carol style. Easy. The composer of “Jazz Gloria” in a very traditional vein.
“Angels With Their Joyful Tidings” (Polish Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination, piano, optional flute) (Walton Music/Hal Leonard W2309). Light and graceful. “Gloria in Excelsis” refrain. Easy/Medium requirements.
“When Christ Our Lord Was Born” (Italian Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 198). A familiar carol which is rumored to have influenced Handel in certain sections of “The Messiah.” Easy.
“Gloria in Excelsis” (from “Missa Solemins” [1811]) – by Luigi Cherubini / arr. by Robert Ross (SATB with keyboard reduction) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41427). An excellent way to introduce your choir to a major sacred choral work by a composer who deserves to be better known. This arrangement is greatly condensed from the original. Both Latin and English texts are underlaid. Medium to Difficult requirements.
“Gloria in Excelsis” – Antonio Lotti (1667-1740) (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42160). Less difficult than the forgoing; an interesting addition to the “Gloria” repertoire. Medium requirements.
“Christ Jesus is Born” (Brazillian Folk Tune) – arr, by Robert J. Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41260). Familiar Folk Tune, found in WOV with a different text. Easy/Medium.
“O Holy Jesus, Little Child” (Mexican Carol) – arr. by Robert Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42161). Easy, delightful Hispanic Carol.
“In Dulci Jubilo” – Dietrich Buxtehude / arr. by Theron Kirk (2-part any combination, keyboard, optional 2 flutes) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 892-42147). An abridgement of a much longer setting; the melody line is ornamented but not difficult. Medium requirements.
“Hymn-Anthem on ‘Adeste Fidelis’” – Everett Titcomb (SATB, organ) (C. F. Peters 6399). Solo sections which can be sung in sectional unisons. Easy and Majestic setting.
EPIPAHNY:
“We Have Seen His Star” (from “8 Short Motets for Mixed Voices”)– Everett Titcomb (SATB) (Carl Fischer CM438). While this piece is preferably unaccompanied, the score does include a keyboard reduction. Easy motet, contrapuntal lines. A good way to introduce your choir to a linear style of choral writing. Masterful writing, not difficult at all, but requires care and attention.
“Say, Where is He Born” (from the unfinished Oratorio “Christus” – Felix Mendelssohn / ed. By Walter Ehret (SATB, piano) (Theodore Presser 312-41393). Requires some adjustment to be played on the organ. Easy / Medium.
Monday, August 15
OPEN ORGANISTS POSITION
Play everyother Sunday (one of 2 organists is retiring)
Allen Electronic Organ - AGO Standards
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norwalk, Ohio
Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Settings 1, 3, 4
Service Times: 8:00 & 10:30 am
Choirs at both services
Weekly rehearsal with 8:00 choir (Wed., 5:30)
Contact: Pastor Fred Wiechers 419-668-2856
Allen Electronic Organ - AGO Standards
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norwalk, Ohio
Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Settings 1, 3, 4
Service Times: 8:00 & 10:30 am
Choirs at both services
Weekly rehearsal with 8:00 choir (Wed., 5:30)
Contact: Pastor Fred Wiechers 419-668-2856
Friday, July 15
POSITION OPEN
Organist & Choir position open at St. Stephen UCC in Sandusky, Ohio. For more information please call the church office at 419-626-1612 Ext. 101.
Monday, June 20
CHAPTER DUES ARE NOW DUE
Chapter dues were due for the 2011-2012 year on June 30. Regular - $70.00 / Special - $52.50 (age 65 or over) / Student - $39.00 / Partner - $45.00 (second member of same household. No magazine for second member.) / Chapter Friend - $15.00.
If you have not yet done so, please mail your dues ASAP to Charles Scroggy, 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.
If you have not yet done so, please mail your dues ASAP to Charles Scroggy, 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Thursday, May 19
SMALL CHURCH ORGAN FOR SALE
"Pipe Organ in good working condition. It has four ranks and fits in a small place. The pipes and chests could be used with your existing instrument. Detailed description available. Contact Joanna Pretz-Anderson at Christ the Redeemer, Brecksville by email at jpretzanderson@crlcbrecksville.org or call 440-526-2303."
UPCOMING EVENT
Sunday, May 22, 7:30 PM: “29th Annual Spring Concert” St. Mary’s Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky (419-625-7465). The St. Mary’s Parish Choir will join forces with Zion Lutheran Church Senior Choir to perform Thompson’s “Alleluia, and Rutter’s “Gloria.” For more information, visit St. Mary’s Music Ministry website,
http://stmarysmusicministry.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 12, 3:00 PM: Sandusky Chapter AGO program “organ repertoire sharing,” at Holy Angels Church, 1605 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, Oh. This was the event that was snowed out this past February.
http://stmarysmusicministry.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 12, 3:00 PM: Sandusky Chapter AGO program “organ repertoire sharing,” at Holy Angels Church, 1605 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, Oh. This was the event that was snowed out this past February.
FROM OUR DEAN FOR MAY / JUNE 2011
“Robert Elmore (1913-1985) A Personal Reminiscence”
In the oversight department, the March issue of TAO, pg. 33, notes the premiere performance of the Concerto in C Minor for Organ and Orchestra by Robert Elmore. I refer you to the March issue for all details. Appended to this newsletter is a copy of an article by Pauline Fox (from May 1994 TAO), a student of Dr. Elmore reporting the deposit of the Robert Elmore Collection in the archives and records center of the University of Pennsylvania. It is from this collection, without any doubt, that the score and parts for this Organ Concerto was retrieved.
I was introduced to Dr. Elmore in the Spring of 1974 by one of his organ students whom he taught in his private studio, and who had used some of my organ and choral selections in her Church Service Repertoire.
Having been shown examples of my work, both published and in manuscript, Dr. Elmore expressed a desire to meet me. Our conference took place on a warm afternoon in May at his home in Wayne, PA, on Philadelphia’s Main Line and occupied the greater part of the afternoon.
Dr. Elmore read through numerous organ, choral, and solo vocal selections, both sacred and secular, offering helpful and thoughtful critiques along the way. He seemed particularly interested in my arrangement of “In Thee Is Gladness” for SATB Chorus accompanied by Brass Quartet, subsequently published by Walter Gould in his Music 70 Series (an adjunct to the Lawson-Gould Music Publishers) and my SATB a cappella composition “Wide Open Are Thy Hands” which has not made print, due, no doubt, to the many enharmonic changes, difficult intonation, and chromatic voice leading which abounds in this works; Dr. Elmore took specific note of these aspects of the piece, making reference to them in a very analytic way.
It was during the 1970’s that Dr. Elmore was Organist/Choirmaster of the historic 10th Presbyterian Church, 17th and Spruce Sts. in Philadelphia, PA. Numerous visits to Philadelphia during this period provided many opportunities to attend the 7:00 PM Sunday Evening Services, enjoy “after the Service” conversation, listen to his 70 voice choir, and learn much regarding organ technique from listening to his always virtuoso performances.
10th Presbyterian was, at the time, the point of origin of the Radio Program “The Bible Study Hour,” featuring the Church’s Pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Montgomery Boice. An amusing incident occurred after one of the services when a parishoner approached me, in a reasonably friendly way, inquiring as to why I had been attending the Evening Services. I responded, “Why to hear Dr. Elmore play the organ and direct his choir.” The somewhat taken aback look I received indicate to me that this was not the expected or desired response, in view of the illustrious occupant of the pulpit.
It would hardly be accurate if I did not declare that Dr. Robert Elmore was one of the major influences on my own musical development and professional life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Note: A commentary on Hugo Distler and his student Jan Bender will appear in the June/July Newsletter. There will be no August Newsletter. The Newsletter will resume on a bi-monthly basis in September 2011.
In the oversight department, the March issue of TAO, pg. 33, notes the premiere performance of the Concerto in C Minor for Organ and Orchestra by Robert Elmore. I refer you to the March issue for all details. Appended to this newsletter is a copy of an article by Pauline Fox (from May 1994 TAO), a student of Dr. Elmore reporting the deposit of the Robert Elmore Collection in the archives and records center of the University of Pennsylvania. It is from this collection, without any doubt, that the score and parts for this Organ Concerto was retrieved.
I was introduced to Dr. Elmore in the Spring of 1974 by one of his organ students whom he taught in his private studio, and who had used some of my organ and choral selections in her Church Service Repertoire.
Having been shown examples of my work, both published and in manuscript, Dr. Elmore expressed a desire to meet me. Our conference took place on a warm afternoon in May at his home in Wayne, PA, on Philadelphia’s Main Line and occupied the greater part of the afternoon.
Dr. Elmore read through numerous organ, choral, and solo vocal selections, both sacred and secular, offering helpful and thoughtful critiques along the way. He seemed particularly interested in my arrangement of “In Thee Is Gladness” for SATB Chorus accompanied by Brass Quartet, subsequently published by Walter Gould in his Music 70 Series (an adjunct to the Lawson-Gould Music Publishers) and my SATB a cappella composition “Wide Open Are Thy Hands” which has not made print, due, no doubt, to the many enharmonic changes, difficult intonation, and chromatic voice leading which abounds in this works; Dr. Elmore took specific note of these aspects of the piece, making reference to them in a very analytic way.
It was during the 1970’s that Dr. Elmore was Organist/Choirmaster of the historic 10th Presbyterian Church, 17th and Spruce Sts. in Philadelphia, PA. Numerous visits to Philadelphia during this period provided many opportunities to attend the 7:00 PM Sunday Evening Services, enjoy “after the Service” conversation, listen to his 70 voice choir, and learn much regarding organ technique from listening to his always virtuoso performances.
10th Presbyterian was, at the time, the point of origin of the Radio Program “The Bible Study Hour,” featuring the Church’s Pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Montgomery Boice. An amusing incident occurred after one of the services when a parishoner approached me, in a reasonably friendly way, inquiring as to why I had been attending the Evening Services. I responded, “Why to hear Dr. Elmore play the organ and direct his choir.” The somewhat taken aback look I received indicate to me that this was not the expected or desired response, in view of the illustrious occupant of the pulpit.
It would hardly be accurate if I did not declare that Dr. Robert Elmore was one of the major influences on my own musical development and professional life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Note: A commentary on Hugo Distler and his student Jan Bender will appear in the June/July Newsletter. There will be no August Newsletter. The Newsletter will resume on a bi-monthly basis in September 2011.
DEAN'S LIST - FOR SUMMER
VOCAL SOLOS: Suggested resources for Summer Music suitable for vocal students at the Senior High or College level, assuming some extent of musical skill.
1. “THE CHURCH SOLOIST”
2. “SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR”
Both collections edited and compiled by Lloyd Pfautsch, published by Lawson Gouldy Hal Leonard. Solos by classic masters of average requirements, includes easy selections by C. P. E. Bach and Josef Haydn.
3. “TO GOD WILL I SING” – VOCAL SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR” compiled by Susan Palo Cherwien, Augsburg/Fortress. A wide ranging collection of classic and contemporary works. Composers range from Rameau, Bach, Telemann, et al to Cherwien, David N. Johnson, Ronald Nelson, and others. The mystery piece is a “Vocalise” by Gabriel Faure. If you don’t have a coloratura soprano available, this makes a great flute selection. Some instrumental obbligato parts are available.
4. “SING A SONG OF JOY” – collected and edited by K. Lee Scott, Augsburg/Fortress. Includes original songs by K. Lee Scott as well as reasonably easy offerings by Schubert, Bach, Handel and traditional folk tunes. Less difficult than the forgoing.
5. “SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN” – Four songs for unison choir or medium/low solo voice. Edward V. Bonnemere – Augsburg/Fortress. Gospel style, of excellent quality.
6. “GLORIA DEO: BOOK 2” – Compiled and arranged by David N. Johnson – Augsburg/Fortress. SAB voicing, many selections suitable as solos. Ideal for small summer ensembles. Included are many folk-song arrangements.
Note: Print status is not guaranteed.
EASY ORGAN FOR SUMMER SERVICES:
1. “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 1” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Telemann, Walther, Frescobaldi and others.
1. (a) “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 2” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Pre-war organist of the Petrikirche in Berlin, Germany. Compiled by Ulrich S. Leuold, Waterloo Music, Ontario, Canada. Represented in the USA by Cathedral Music Press, Mel Bay Music, PO Box 66, Pacific, No. 63069
2. “BLUE CLOUD ABBEY ORGAN BOOK” – Christopher Uehlein, Augsburg/Fortress. Fifteen original compositions somewhat reminiscent of Flor Peeters “60 Short Pieces;” modal, mildly contemporary, A convenient collection with Preludes, Offertories and Postludes under one cover.
3. “TWENTY SIX MINIATURES FOR ORGAN ON GREGORIAN THEMES” by Sr. Theresine Donder, SNJM, Oregon Catholic Press. Excellent for Communion Music, or short Preludes, Offertories, and Postludes.
4. “42 PIECES BY THEODORE DUBOIS” – Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag. All on two staves – may be played manuals only, pedal ad. Lib. French Romantic style, very melodic. An excellent resource for Summer Services.
FOR PIANO:
1. “COME, THOU FOUNT” – J. Bert Carlson, Augsburg/Fortress. A widely varied collection of piano solos, mainly in Gospel style. A few might workn on the organ, but mainly a resource for piano. Some of the tunes treated are “Nettleton,” “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” “It is Well With My Soul,” “My Jesus,” “I Love Thee,” etc.
Note: Print status is not guaranteed.
1. “THE CHURCH SOLOIST”
2. “SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR”
Both collections edited and compiled by Lloyd Pfautsch, published by Lawson Gouldy Hal Leonard. Solos by classic masters of average requirements, includes easy selections by C. P. E. Bach and Josef Haydn.
3. “TO GOD WILL I SING” – VOCAL SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR” compiled by Susan Palo Cherwien, Augsburg/Fortress. A wide ranging collection of classic and contemporary works. Composers range from Rameau, Bach, Telemann, et al to Cherwien, David N. Johnson, Ronald Nelson, and others. The mystery piece is a “Vocalise” by Gabriel Faure. If you don’t have a coloratura soprano available, this makes a great flute selection. Some instrumental obbligato parts are available.
4. “SING A SONG OF JOY” – collected and edited by K. Lee Scott, Augsburg/Fortress. Includes original songs by K. Lee Scott as well as reasonably easy offerings by Schubert, Bach, Handel and traditional folk tunes. Less difficult than the forgoing.
5. “SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN” – Four songs for unison choir or medium/low solo voice. Edward V. Bonnemere – Augsburg/Fortress. Gospel style, of excellent quality.
6. “GLORIA DEO: BOOK 2” – Compiled and arranged by David N. Johnson – Augsburg/Fortress. SAB voicing, many selections suitable as solos. Ideal for small summer ensembles. Included are many folk-song arrangements.
Note: Print status is not guaranteed.
EASY ORGAN FOR SUMMER SERVICES:
1. “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 1” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Telemann, Walther, Frescobaldi and others.
1. (a) “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 2” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Pre-war organist of the Petrikirche in Berlin, Germany. Compiled by Ulrich S. Leuold, Waterloo Music, Ontario, Canada. Represented in the USA by Cathedral Music Press, Mel Bay Music, PO Box 66, Pacific, No. 63069
2. “BLUE CLOUD ABBEY ORGAN BOOK” – Christopher Uehlein, Augsburg/Fortress. Fifteen original compositions somewhat reminiscent of Flor Peeters “60 Short Pieces;” modal, mildly contemporary, A convenient collection with Preludes, Offertories and Postludes under one cover.
3. “TWENTY SIX MINIATURES FOR ORGAN ON GREGORIAN THEMES” by Sr. Theresine Donder, SNJM, Oregon Catholic Press. Excellent for Communion Music, or short Preludes, Offertories, and Postludes.
4. “42 PIECES BY THEODORE DUBOIS” – Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag. All on two staves – may be played manuals only, pedal ad. Lib. French Romantic style, very melodic. An excellent resource for Summer Services.
FOR PIANO:
1. “COME, THOU FOUNT” – J. Bert Carlson, Augsburg/Fortress. A widely varied collection of piano solos, mainly in Gospel style. A few might workn on the organ, but mainly a resource for piano. Some of the tunes treated are “Nettleton,” “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” “It is Well With My Soul,” “My Jesus,” “I Love Thee,” etc.
Note: Print status is not guaranteed.
Tuesday, March 1
FROM OUR DEAN FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
It should come as no surprise to those of us living on Ohio’s North Coast that weather rules the day, and will make the final determination if an event will take place or be cancelled. Re-scheduling of the organ repertoire sharing event which had been scheduled for February 6th at Holy Angels Catholic Church is set for Sunday, June 12 at 3:00.
Of particular disinterest in the February TAO is “The Last Page” (to me, at least); I admit I had to “throw in the towel” on it.
Of exceptional interest, however, is the pg. 50 article regarding the Aeoline Organ installed at Longwood Gardens, the DuPont estate near Philadelphia. While I have visited Longwood Gardens several times I was never on hand to hear the organ played.
In the January 2011 installment of the Chapter Newsletter attention was focused on a new G. Schirmer publication “Samuel Barber, Music for Organ” released in June 2010, which the reviewer alleged to contain all the organ works of this composer (it does not, as I pointed out in that newsletter).
Of great interest in this collection is a composition by the 15 year old Samuel Barber titled “To Longwood Gardens,” premiered by Firmin Swinnen (pictured in TAO next to the console of the Longwood Organ) in 1925. Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Pierre S. DuPont in gratitude for the many musical experiences they provided him at their Estate, this piece is an example of the descriptive nature painting so in favor with composers for
the organ in the early 20th century. Hardly a work of the mature Barber (In a Persian Garden by Ketelby comes to mind) it is fascinating to encounter the influences Barber was confronted with as a very young man and to follow his development forward.
Also included is William Stickland’s approved-by-the-composer arrangement of the “Adagio for Strings,” rather dull “Chorale for a New Organ,” “Chorale Prelude on Silent Night,” arranged by the composer from his orchestral suite “Die Natali” (if your instrument does not include a very ethereal string celeste, don’t even try), a Prelude and Fugue very reminiscent of Max Reger, (late Romantic in style and highly chromatic), “Suite for Carillon,” which is highly unsuitable for the organ, and Barber’s one true masterpiece for the organ, “Wondrous Love: Variations on a Shape Note Hymn,” the latter being commissioned by Richard Rockelein, organist of Christ Episcopal Church in Grosse Point, Michigan, to whom the work is dedicated and who premiered it at that church in October, 1958.
Shame on the AGO for not commissioning a set of Chorale Preludes from Samuel Barber during his lifetime; what an asset to the repertoire has been lost as a result of that neglect.
Henry Kihlken,
Dean
Of particular disinterest in the February TAO is “The Last Page” (to me, at least); I admit I had to “throw in the towel” on it.
Of exceptional interest, however, is the pg. 50 article regarding the Aeoline Organ installed at Longwood Gardens, the DuPont estate near Philadelphia. While I have visited Longwood Gardens several times I was never on hand to hear the organ played.
In the January 2011 installment of the Chapter Newsletter attention was focused on a new G. Schirmer publication “Samuel Barber, Music for Organ” released in June 2010, which the reviewer alleged to contain all the organ works of this composer (it does not, as I pointed out in that newsletter).
Of great interest in this collection is a composition by the 15 year old Samuel Barber titled “To Longwood Gardens,” premiered by Firmin Swinnen (pictured in TAO next to the console of the Longwood Organ) in 1925. Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Pierre S. DuPont in gratitude for the many musical experiences they provided him at their Estate, this piece is an example of the descriptive nature painting so in favor with composers for
the organ in the early 20th century. Hardly a work of the mature Barber (In a Persian Garden by Ketelby comes to mind) it is fascinating to encounter the influences Barber was confronted with as a very young man and to follow his development forward.
Also included is William Stickland’s approved-by-the-composer arrangement of the “Adagio for Strings,” rather dull “Chorale for a New Organ,” “Chorale Prelude on Silent Night,” arranged by the composer from his orchestral suite “Die Natali” (if your instrument does not include a very ethereal string celeste, don’t even try), a Prelude and Fugue very reminiscent of Max Reger, (late Romantic in style and highly chromatic), “Suite for Carillon,” which is highly unsuitable for the organ, and Barber’s one true masterpiece for the organ, “Wondrous Love: Variations on a Shape Note Hymn,” the latter being commissioned by Richard Rockelein, organist of Christ Episcopal Church in Grosse Point, Michigan, to whom the work is dedicated and who premiered it at that church in October, 1958.
Shame on the AGO for not commissioning a set of Chorale Preludes from Samuel Barber during his lifetime; what an asset to the repertoire has been lost as a result of that neglect.
Henry Kihlken,
Dean
HYMN FESTIVAL
The Hymn Festival that was scheduled for this season has been post-poned to next season (late April) with May Schwartz coming from Trinity Lutheran Seminary to play the Festival. Look for more information later this fall.
UPCOMING EVENT
On Sunday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m., Terra presents its annual “Organ and Brass Concert.” Celebrating the powerful repertoire composed for brass and organ, the Terra Brass Choir meets once again with organist Tim Claubaugh in a performance of both classical and contemporary music. The Terra Arts Chorale will also be performing in this concert.
Brass and organ works by Campra, Faure, Berlioz, Snyder and Peloquin will be performed. Among the solo organ works that Claubaugh will perform is "Prelude, Trio, and Finale on 'Holy God We Praise Thy Name'" by our own Sandusky Chapter member Henry Kihlken.
The concert will be presented at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sandusky. Admission is free and open to the public.
Brass and organ works by Campra, Faure, Berlioz, Snyder and Peloquin will be performed. Among the solo organ works that Claubaugh will perform is "Prelude, Trio, and Finale on 'Holy God We Praise Thy Name'" by our own Sandusky Chapter member Henry Kihlken.
The concert will be presented at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sandusky. Admission is free and open to the public.
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