News & Views Saturday, April 27, 2024

Organ Music by Women Composers Tuesday, March 12, 2024

recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist

Oxford Book of Organ Music by Women Composers
“The Oxford Book of Organ Music by Women Composers” presents a comprehensive survey of historical organ pieces by women composers alongside six newly commissioned pieces. The music is stylistically varied and encompasses both secular and sacred repertoire from a range of periods. In addition to original organ repertoire, the collection also contains several organ transcriptions in new arrangements for the instrument.

Female Composers
A treasure house with organ pieces by female composers complete with composer bios. Contents: Elisabeth Stirling (1819-95), Movement • Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929), Andante and Larghetto • Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944), Marche funèbre • Ethel Smith (1858-1944), Prelude and Fugue on ‘O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid’ • Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979), Prélude, Petit Canon and Improvisation • Elsa Barraine (1910-1999), Prélude et Fugue • Ruth Zechlin (geb. 1926), Laudate • Emma Lou Diener (geb. 1927), Fiesta • Sieglinde Ahrens (geb. 1936), Invocation • E. Stirling: Movement Ab-major • E. Andrée: Andante • Largo • C. Chaminade: Marche funèbre op. 171 • E. Smyth: Prelude and Fugue on “O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid” • J. Senfter: Fantasie und Fuge G major “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgensterin” op. 30 • N. Boulanger: Prélude • Petit canon • Improvisation • E. Barraine: Prélude et Fugue • J. Demessieux: O filii (Variations) • E. Szöny: Dance tune • R. Zechlin: Laudate • E.L. Diemer: Fiesta • L. Robert-Diessel: Song-B. • Heller: Persian Song • Notte di Maggi/A night in May • S. Ahrens: Invocation • I. Loudová: Monument • V. Dinescu: Rows of Symbols • E.M. Houben: Chorale Prelude “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” • D. Koptein: Chorale Fantasia “Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig” op. 4.

Women Composers’ Album
A wonderful collection of largely unexplored yet charming works. Fifteen composers are represented, Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel among them. Titles include: “Rigaudon” and “Rondeau” by Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre; “March in D,” “Aria,” and “Gigue” by Elizabeth Turner; “Allegro in D” by Anna Bon; “Andante Espressivo” by Hélène Riese Liebmann; “Chorale, Op. 3, No.” and “Andante, Op. 3, No. 5” by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel; “Prelude in g minor, Op. 16, No. 1” by Clara Schumann; “Duo” by Elizabeth von Herzogenberg; “Postlude in f minor” by Luise Adolpha Le Beau; “Postlude: Introduction and Fugue” by Adela Douglas-Pennant; “Andante espressivo (Sonatine)” by Hedwige Chrétien; “Even Song” and “Andante Grazioso (Introductory Voluntary)” by Kate Boundy; “Chorale” by Alice Sauvrezis; “Invention dans le style ancient” by Henriette Renié; “Adoration” by Florence B. Price; and “Berceuse” by Germaine Tailleferre.

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About the Author:
Christopher B. grew up in eastern Kentucky in a musically diverse family, and began playing organ at the age of 12. He majored in vocal performance with minors in keyboards and conducting at Marshall University and later received a Master of Theological Studies in congregational ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Christopher has served as a church music director and organist for more than 20 years, presently serving as Director of Music and Worship Arts/Organist at Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, OH.

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