Tidings of Joy: Organ Music from Concordia Monday, November 18, 2024
recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist
Tidings of Joy arr. Benjamin M. Culli
These five Christmas preludes are unquestionably captivating. The opening prelude is based on a new hymn tune by the composer found in One and All Rejoice on the Slovak text “Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing.” A propelling “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” drives with intensity and strength keeping listeners baited for every next note. “See amid the Winter’s Snow” is set among musically falling snow, light and calm and most enchanting. “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice” is thrilling, with a constant driving eighth note rhythm, pushing forward with the loud cantus firmus in the pedal. The final piece, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” can be registered in lightly, setting forth the hymn in a whimsically jubilant way or with the full intensity of a triumphal postlude.
Christmastide Fughettas arr. Donald Rotermund
Ornament your Christmas worship with delightful fughettas! This large collection of fourteen hymn-based fugal settings by Donald Rotermund is creative and inventive. Having optional repeats throughout and designed for flexibility, these pieces could be used as solo organ stanzas; as preludes, voluntaries, or postludes; and as introductions or interludes using excerpts.
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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.