Often confined to an hour on Sunday mornings, the music of the organ rarely gets much attention or play beyond that very narrow context. However, many would be surprised to know that through history, a great many major composers have brought their musical genius to the development of organ music. Described by Beethoven as the ‘king of instruments,’ the organ is unique in that it places under the control of a single performer an array of tones, textures, and dynamics rivaled only by a full orchestra.
Mount Allison Professor and University Organist Gayle h. Martin presents organ works of some of the greatest composers in a recently released recording which is the second part of a set entitled Partners in Time. Built on the works of 17th-century organ masters J.S. Bach and Dietrich Buxtehude, Martin develops a program illustrating how great composers have drawn inspiration from their elders and have each built upon that foundation.
Joy and peace are themes that have been chosen to run through both parts of this recording. The first part of the album subtitled Comparing Notes was released in 2015. It focuses exclusively on the works of Buxtehude and Bach. Many of Bach’s biographers tell that so great was his admiration of the older Buxtehude that he once walked 250 miles just so he could hear for himself the music of the great organist. There’s no question that Bach drew much inspiration from the works of his elder. Martin alternates pieces by the two composers so we can better hear this relationship. She effectively keeps things fresh, bright, and cheerful by drawing together many pieces written for Advent and Christmas.
The second part of the album, Partners in Time: Boundless Notes, was released just recently. On it, Martin goes on to draw lines from the works of Bach and Buxtehude to later composers. Included on this album is a Sonata by Bach’s own son, Carl Philipp Emanuel – clearly showing his father’s influence. Also worthy of mention is Mendelssohn’s sixth organ sonata. Mendelssohn himself actually played a crucial role in reviving interest in the organ in his day, being greatly inspired by Bach. Franz Liszt was so impressed by Bach that he wrote a virtuosic work based on the letters of his name which is also included on this recording. Finally, in his Hommage à D. Buxtehude, the 20th-century Czech composer Petr Eben quotes heavily from Buxtehude but then takes off in his own direction with dissonant harmonies and thrilling syncopated rhythms.
Martin accomplishes all this on the two manual 1965 Casavant organ at Mount Allison University. She brings out the very best in the instrument with a thoughtful and complimentary choice of stops.
Whether or not you’re a connoisseur of Sunday morning music, this collection of works by great composers for an under-appreciated instrument is well worth a listen.
Gayle h. Martin: WEB