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THE
D I A PA S O N
JANUARY 2018
First Baptist Church of Christ
Macon, Georgia
Cover feature on pages 20–22
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THE DIAPASON Editor’s Notebook
Scranton Gillette Communications
One Hundred Ninth Year: No. 1, Transitions
Whole No. 1298 Welcome to the new year of 2018, as we begin our 109th
JANUARY 2018 year of The Diapason! The staff of this journal hopes that
Established in 1909 you had a productive and pleasant holiday season to end 2017. Stephen Schnurr
ISSN 0012-2378 This month, there are staff changes taking place at The Dia- 847/954-7989; sschnurr@sgcmail.com
pason. Joyce Robinson, who has faithfully served us for seven- www.TheDiapason.com
An International Monthly Devoted to the Organ,
teen years in various capacities including editor and publisher
the Harpsichord, Carillon, and Church Music
between 2014 and 2017, and most recently as consulting editor,
is now retiring. We are grateful for her hard work, vision, and In this issue
CONTENTS leadership, and I am personally grateful for her assistance in To begin the new year, we feature a report by Stephen Pinel
FEATURES
establishing my work as editor. We wish Joyce and her husband on the 2017 Maine Historic Organ Institute, centered at St.
A report from Maine: The 2017 Historic Kim many years of health and happiness in retirement. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor, which houses the state’s
Organ Institute, October 24–28, 2017 We are pleased to announce that Andrew Schaeffer of Okla- largest nineteenth-century historic organ. Roy Redman shares
by Stephen L. Pinel 16 homa City, Oklahoma, will join us as editor-at-large. Andrew with us an organ built in 1886 by Louis Debierre of Nantes,
Louis Debierre Choir Organ, 1884: is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ France, for a Catholic church in Avoyelles, Louisiana.
Choir Organ #53 performance from the American Organ Institute at the Uni- Among our transitions, “Harpsichord News” is now called
by Roy Redman 18
versity of Oklahoma, Norman, and is director of music for the “Harpsichord Notes” to better reflect the mission of this
NEWS & DEPARTMENTS First United Methodist Church of Edmond. Andrew is also a monthly column. For this month, Larry Palmer recalls Gus-
Editor’s Notebook 3 member of The Diapason’s inaugural 20 Under 30 class. We tav Leonhardt and his association with Southern Methodist
Here & There 3 are pleased to have a leader from our next generation to share University, beginning in the 1980s. Palmer also provides a
Appointments 6 his endeavors and talents with us in the years to come. list of his article topics for 2017. John Bishop, in “In the
Nunc Dimittis 8 Wind,” expounds on how a building or space can influ-
Harpsichord Notes by Larry Palmer 10
With the New Year comes a new way to read THE DIAPASON ence the shape and effect of music, from a New England
In the wind . . . by John Bishop 12
On Teaching by Gavin Black 14
With this month’s issue, we are pleased to offer our digital meetinghouse to a cavernous, cathedral-sized nave. In “On
edition, found at our website. (You can also access the full issue Teaching,” Gavin Black discusses the necessity of good eye
NEW ORGANS 22 in PDF format, as you have been able to do in the past.) For care in order to read music properly and efficiently, even
CALENDAR 23 those who wish to receive the journal digitally rather than in when it means using corrective lenses. Our cover feature is
print, you may now subscribe for a year’s issues at $35, a con- the new organ by the A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company
RECITAL PROGRAMS 27
siderable discount from our regular print subscription, which is of Lithonia, Georgia, for the First Baptist Church of Christ
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 28 now slightly adjusted to $42. of Macon, Georgia. Q
2017 In Review—An Index 30
Here & There
THE
D I A PA S O N
JANUARY 2018
Events Christopher Lynch; March 4, Mark January 12: Bach to the Future—The
Christ Church, Grosse Pointe Pacoe; 3/11, Jeremy McElroy and Clin- Legacy of The Art of the Fugue, with the
Farms, Michigan, continues its 2017– ton Miller; April 8, Bryan Dunnewald; Diderot Quartet; 1/13, Private to Pub-
2018 season of musical events: January 5, 4/15, Jason Roberts; 4/22, Stefan Kagl; lic—the Journey of the String Quartet,
Epiphany Procession; February 2, Feast 4/29, David Henning; May 6, Georgia with the Eybler Quartet; February 23,
of the Presentation (Candlemas Proces- Boy Choir; 5/13, Caroline Robinson; Metamorfosi, Ensemble Constantinople
sion); April 15, Easter Lessons & Carols. 5/20, Bruce Neswick. For information: with Suzie LeBlanc, soprano; March
Choral Evensong, Sundays at 4:30 p.m.: www.stphilipscathedral.org. 23, A Telemann Celebration, Ensemble
January 7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, February 4, Le Rêveuse; April 28, Ovid: Myth and
2/11, 2/25, March 4, 3/11, 3/18, April 22, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Music, Pacific Baroque Orchestra and
4/29, May 13, 5/20. Lynchburg, Virginia, continues its Charles Daniels, tenor. For information:
Concerts include: March 25, Bach, St. 2017–2018 series of concerts, Sundays http://earlymusic.bc.ca.
John Passion; May 6, Bach, Easter and at 4:00 p.m.: January 7, J. William
First Baptist Church of Christ
Macon, Georgia
Cover feature on pages 20–22
Ascension Oratorios; July 18, Farewell Greene, Christmas Ayres & Dances;
Concert for the choir’s residency at Dur- February 11, Rafael Scarfullery, classi-
COVER ham Cathedral, UK. For information: cal guitar; April 15, Ahreum Han; May
A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company, www.christchurchgp.org. 13, Concerted: Baroque Strings and
Lithonia, Georgia; The First Baptist Church of Organ. For further information:
Christ, Macon, Georgia 20
St. John’s Episcopal Church, West www.holytrinitylynchburg.org.
Hartford, Connecticut, continues its
Editorial Director STEPHEN SCHNURR 2017–2018 Music at the Red Door Christ Church, Easton, Maryland,
and Publisher sschnurr@sgcmail.com events: March 10, Fauré, Requiem, with continues its 2017–2018 season of events:
847/954-7989 the choirs of St. John’s Church and St. January 21, Monte Maxwell; February
President RICK SCHWER
Paul’s on-the-Green Episcopal Church, 11, The American Boychoir; March 18, Christ Church, Bradenton, Florida,
rschwer@sgcmail.com Norwalk (repeated March 11 at St. Trio Galilei; April 22, Suspicious Cheese Létourneau organ
847/391-1048 Paul’s); April 22, Fa-Re-La Duo, piano Lords; May 20, Wes Lockfaw with the
and cello; May 4, The Yale Whiffenpoofs. Christ Church Brass. For information: Christ Church, Bradenton, Florida,
Consulting Editor JOYCE ROBINSON
jrobinson@sgcmail.com Choral Evensong is offered on Sundays www.christchurcheaston.org. continues its 2017–2018 Sacred Music
847/391-1000 at 5:00 p.m. with the parish Adult Choir in a Sacred Space series: February 11,
unless otherwise noted: January 28, Feb- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Delray Mozart, Mass in F; March 4, Ahreum
Editor-at-large ANDREW SCHAEFFER
diapasoneditoratlarge@gmail.com ruary 25, March 25, and April 29 (Youth Beach, Florida, continues its 2017–2018 Han; 3/18, Craig Cramer; May 12, Jakob
and Adult Choirs). St. John’s Pipes Alive! season of musical events, Sundays at Hamilton. Two concerts for the Sarasota-
Sales Director JEROME BUTERA organ recital series is presented Sundays 3:00 p.m.: January 21, Klotz, Calloway, Manatee Bach Festival are hosted by
jbutera@sgcmail.com at 12:30 p.m.: January 7, Scott Lamlein; Strezeva Trio; February 18, Serafin Christ Church: January 14, Richard Ben-
608/634-6253
Circulation/ February 4, James Barry; March 4, Jacob Quartet with pianist Roberta Rust; edum, Cynthia Roberts-Greene, and Ann
Subscriptions EBONY FENDLEY Street; May 6, Ezequiel Menendez; June March 18, Bach’s Art of the Fugue with Stephenson-Moe, organists; February 18,
efendley@sgcmail.com 3, Susan Carroll. For information: harpsichordists Michael Bahmann and Adam DeSorgo, oboe, Carol Lieberman,
847/391-1028
www.reddoormusic.org. Paul Cienniwa; April 15, Amernet String baroque violin, Christopher Schnell,
Designer KIMBERLY PELLIKAN Quartet; May 20, Bach arias with Cam- cello, and others.
kpellikan@sgcmail.com The Cathedral of St. Philip, erata del Ré; June 10, Palm Piano Trio. A Lenten recital series is offered
847/391-1024
Atlanta, Georgia, continues Sunday For information: Thursdays at 12:15 p.m.: February 15,
Contributing Editors LARRY PALMER concerts at 3:15 p.m. followed by Choral www.music.stpaulsdelray.org. James Guyer; 2/22, Robert Edwards;
Harpsichord Evensong at 4:00 p.m.: January 7, Chase March 1, James Culver; 3/8, Glen Olsen;
BRIAN SWAGER
Loomer; 1/14, Alvin Blount; 1/21, Gail Early Music Vancouver, Vancouver, 3/15, Nancy Siebecker; 3/22, James Wal-
Carillon Archer; 1/28, Karen Black; February 4, British Columbia, Canada, continues its ton. For information:
Alan Lewis; 2/11, Robert Poovey; 2/18, 2017–2018 Cathedral Series, with events www.christchurchswfla.org.
JOHN BISHOP Clayton State Collegium Vocale; 2/25, taking place in Christ Church Cathedral: ³ page 4
In the wind . . .
GAVIN BLACK THE DIAPASON (ISSN 0012-2378) is published monthly by Scranton Gillette Routine items for publication must be received six weeks in advance of the month of
On Teaching Communications, Inc., 3030 W. Salt Creek Lane, Suite 201, Arlington Heights, Illinois issue. For advertising copy, the closing date is the 1st. Prospective contributors of articles
60005-5025. Phone 847/954-7989. Fax 847/390-0408. E-mail: sschnurr@sgcmail.com. should request a style sheet. Unsolicited reviews cannot be accepted.
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WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 Q 3
Here & There
³ page 3
Madonna della Strada Chapel, Goulding
& Wood organ
Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois,
continues its 2017–2018 organ recital
series, held on the third Sunday of
each month at 3:00 p.m. in Madonna
della Strada Chapel and featuring the
three-manual Goulding & Wood organ:
January 21, Thom Gouwens; February
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, 18, Christa Miller; March 18, Jonathan
Michigan, Pilzecker organ (photo credit: Oblander; April 15, Grant Nill; May 20,
Christian Hooker)
Christine Kraemer. For information:
w w w. l u c . e d u / c a m p u s m i n i s t r y /
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, sacramental_life/organ/.
Detroit, Michigan, continues choral Xavier Durasse Organ Competition competitors: Johannes Skoog, Giulio Tosti,
Evensong services for the 2017–2018 Muriel Groz, and Hendrik Burkhard (photo credit: Thomas Guilin)
season, Sundays at 4:00 p.m.: January 14,
February 11, 2/25, March 11, 3/25 (Pas- Toulouse les Orgues Festival announces winners of its Xavier Darasse Organ
siontide Concert), May 10 (Evensong for Competition, the final round of which was October 7, 2017. First prize was awarded
Ascension). For information: to two competitors, Giulio Tosti and Hendrik Burkhard. Second prize was awarded
www.detroitcathedral.org. also to two competitors, Johannes Skoog and Muriel Groz. The audience prize was
presented to Muriel Groz. This is the first time the competition has designated two
winners and two second-place competitors. The jury consisted of Michel Bouvard,
Benoît Mernier, Jan Willem Jansen, Lorenzo Ghielmi, Louis Robilliard, Juan de la
Rubia, and Wolfgang Zerer. For information: www.toulouse-les-orgues.org.
St. Chrysostom’s Church, Fisk organ
St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church,
Chicago, Illinois, continues its 2017–2018
season of musical events: January 14,
125th anniversary Evensong; February Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles,
9, Richard Hoskins with guest vocalists California
and instrumentalists; February 23, Café
Zimmerman, with Jason Moy and friends; Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los
April 22, Choral Evensong; 4/24, Jory Angeles, California, continues its solo
Vinikour, harpsichord, and Anna Reinhold, organ recitals for the 2017–2018 season,
mezzo-soprano; May 20, David Schrader on Sundays at 7:30 p.m.: January 21,
performs Mendelssohn’s six organ sonatas. Katelyn Emerson; February 18, Peter
For information: www.saintc.org. Richard Conte; May 20, Hector Olivera.
For further information:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Savan- www.laphil.com.
nah, Georgia, announces 2018 musical
events: January 20, Cole Burger, piano; Presbyterian Homes, Evanston,
February 4, Ashley Sosis, organ, fol- Illinois, continues its monthly organ
lowed by Evensong; 2/16, Sarah Stender, recitals for 2017–2018, Mondays at
harpsichord; April 7, Parker Ramsey, 1:30 p.m. in Elliott Chapel, featuring
organ; 4/28, Taylor Festival Choir; May its 1994 Dobson Pipe Organ Builders,
20, John Sabine, organ, followed by Ltd., Opus 64 of two manuals, 25 ranks,
Evensong. For information: mechanical action: January 22, Timothy
www.stjohnssavannah.com. ³ page 6
Rev. Richard Collman, Muriel Nelson, Leonard Massee, and John F. Nordlie with the
Nordlie organ, First United Methodist Church, Appleton, Minnesota
First United Methodist Church, Appleton, Minnesota, celebrated the fortieth
anniversary of the church’s Nordlie organ on November 12, 2017. Among those pres-
ent for the celebration were Rev. Richard Collman, consultant and recitalist; Muriel
AUSTINORGANS.COM Nelson and Leonard Massee, members of the organ committee forty years ago; and
t8PPEMBOE4U)BSUGPSE$5 John F. Nordlie, organbuilder. The instrument was Nordlie’s first to be completed.
The one-manual and pedal mechanical-action instrument has seven stops, nine ranks.
For information: http://jfnordlie.com.
4 Q THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM
Colin Andrews Cristina Garcia Banegas R. Monty Bennett Shin-Ae Chun Leon W. Couch III Joan DeVee Dixon
Organist/Lecturer Organist/Conductor/Lecturer Organist/Presenter Organist/Harpsichordist Organist/Lecturer Organist/Pianist
Recording Artist Montevideo, Uruguay Charlotte, North Carolina Ann Arbor, Michigan Birmingham, Alabama Hutchinson, MN
Rhonda Sider Edgington Laura Ellis Faythe Freese Simone Gheller Sarah Hawbecker James D. Hicks
Organist Organ/Carillon Professor of Organ Organist/Recording Artist Organist/Presenter Organist
Holland, Michigan University of Florida University of Alabama Oconomowoc, WI Atlanta, GA Califon, NJ
Michael Kaminski Angela Kraft Cross David K. Lamb Mark Laubach Yoon-Mi Lim Wynford S. Lyddane
Organist Organist/Pianist/Composer Organist/Conductor Organist/Presenter Assoc. Prof. of Organ Pianist/Instructor
Brooklyn, New York San Mateo, California Clarksville, Indiana Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania SWBTS, Fort Worth, TX Washington, D.C.
Colin Lynch Philip Manwell Christopher Marks Katherine Meloan Scott Montgomery Shelly Moorman-Stahlman
Organist/Conductor Organist Organist/Professor of Music Organist/Faculty Organist/Presenter Organist/Pianist
Boston, Massachusetts Reno, Nevada U of Nebraska-Lincoln Manhattan School of Music Fayetteville, Arkansas Lebanon Valley College
Anna Myeong David F. Oliver Brenda Portman Ann Marie Rigler Edward Taylor Tom Winpenny
Organist/Lecturer Organist Organist/Presenter/Composer Organist/Presenter Organist/Choral Conductor Organist/Choral Conductor
Madison, Wisconsin Morehouse College Cincinnati, Ohio William Jewell College Carlisle Cathedral, UK St Albans Cathedral, UK
Clarion Duo Duo Majoya Rodland Duo Christine Westhoff
Keith Benjamin, trumpet Organ and Piano Viola and Organ & Timothy Allen
University of Missouri-Kansas City Marnie Giesbrecht, Joachim Segger Eastman School of Music/ Soprano and Organ
Melody Steed, organ, Bethany College U of Alberta, King's U, Canada St. Olaf College Little Rock, Arkansas
www.Concert Artist Cooperative.com
R. Monty Bennett, Director (rmb10@aol.com) • Beth Zucchino, Founder & Director Emerita (bethzucchino@aol.com)
730 Hawthorne Lane, Rock Hill, SC 29730 PH: 803-448-1484 FX: 704-362-1098
a non-traditional representation celebrating its 30th year of operation
Here & There
³ page 4
Appointments
Michael Capon is appointed adjunct lecturer
in organ for the Dan School of Drama and Music,
Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
The appointment follows a six-year hiatus after
the retirement of David Cameron, allowing the
school to offer organ instruction once again.
Capon is music director for St. George’s Anglican
Cathedral, Kingston. He earned his master of
music degree in organ performance from McGill
University, Montréal, and holds the associate
Longwood Gardens Aeolian organ certificate from the Royal Canadian College of
console (photo credit: Duane Erdmann) Michael Capon Organists. He won first prize in the John Robb
Organ Competition, Québec, and second prize in
Richard Conte and Andrew Ennis, the Royal Canadian College of Organists National Organ Playing Competition.
flugelhorn; March 4, Bryan Holten; For information: sdm.queensu.ca.
3/18, Neil Harmon; April 7, spring open
console day; 4/21, Alan Morrison. For Dent Davidson is appointed missioner for
Presbyterian Homes, Evanston, Illinois, information: www.longwoodgardens.org. music and liturgy for St. James’s Episcopal
Dobson organ Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois, effective January 1.
Davidson will continue in his position as associ-
Spelbring; February 26, Andrea Hand- ated for liturgy and the arts for the Episcopal
ley; March 19, David Schrader; April Diocese of Chicago and as music chaplain to the
23, Jackson Borges; May 21, Paul Episcopal Church House of Bishops. Davidson
Vander Weele; June 25, Brian Schoet- has previously held music positions at St. Paul
tler. For information: and the Redeemer Episcopal Church, Chicago;
www.presbyterianhomes.org. Dent Davidson (courtesy St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Medina, Washing-
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago) ton; and St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle,
Washington. He earned a degree in music compo-
sition and vocal jazz at Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle.
Hyde Park Community United Methodist
Church, Cincinnati, Ohio (photo credit: Neal Jack Mitchener is appointed artist-in-
Hamlin and William T. Van Pelt)
residence for Peachtree Road United Methodist
Church, Atlanta, Georgia, where he will play
Hyde Park Community United recitals, perform in concerts, and assist in ser-
Methodist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, vices as needed by Scott Atchison, director of
continues organ recitals for 2017–2018, music and organist, and Nicole Marane, associ-
Sundays at 4:00 p.m.: January 28: Kola ate director and associate organist. His debut
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, Owolabi; March 4, Brenda Portman; recital at the church is January 30. Mitchener
New York, New York (photo credit: Lee Ryder) April 15, Renée Anne Louprette. For has also been appointed chair of the department
information: http://hydeparkchurch.org. Jack Mitchener of keyboard studies in the Townsend School of
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Music at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia.
Church, New York, New York, con- He continues at Mercer as professor of organ, university organist, and direc-
tinues its 2017–2018 concert season, tor of the Townsend-McAfee Institute of Church Music. Q
Sundays at 3:00 p.m., except where
noted: January 28, Meeting of Musical
Minds, with the Steinberg Duo (violin announces its 2017–2018 season, its (2017), accompanied by a lecture by
and piano); February 11, Steven Van- 44th year: February 11, Masses Ancient Christoph Wolff. For information:
hauwaert, pianist; March 4, Weather and Modern, Trinity College, Hartford; www.winthrop.edu.
Reports, with the Amuse Singers; 3/18, March 25, Bach, St. Matthew Passion,
Margaret Mills, pianist; 3/25, Bach, St. Immanuel Congregational Church,
Matthew Passion, with the St. Andrew Hartford; April 29, Mozart, Requiem, St. Competitions
Chorale and Orchestra; Friday, April 13, John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford. The Incorporated Association of
7:30 p.m., Manhattan School of Music For information: www.concora.org. Organists (IAO) and the Royal Col-
organ department recital; 4/22, Nadejda Klais organ, Overture Hall, Madison, lege of Organists (RCO) announce
Vlaeva, pianist; 4/29, Memories, Dreams, Wisconsin Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a new organ competition. Under the
Reflections, with Trio Appassionata; May Chester Parish, Chestertown, Maryland, joint artistic direction of Martin Baker
6, New York, New York!, with the New Madison Symphony Orchestra, announces organ recitals: February 23, and Steven Grahl, RCO and IAO presi-
York City Children’s Chorus. For infor- Madison, Wisconsin, continues its Dexter Kennedy; March 16, Maxine dents, respectively, the competition is
mation: www.mapc.com/music/sams. 2017–2018 season of solo organ recitals Thévenot; April 13, Parker Ramsey; May open to organists between the ages of
in Overture Hall: February 20, David 4, Ken Cowan. For information: 18 and 26 on July 1, 2018. To be held
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Briggs; April 17, Isabelle Demers; May www.emmanuelchesterparish.org. during the 2018 IAO Music Festival
Square, Pennsylvania, continues its 11, Greg Zelek. For information: in Peterborough, UK, July 29–August
2017–2018 events featuring its 1930 www.madisonsymphony.org. 2, the first prize is £1,000 along with
Aeolian pipe organ of four manuals, recitals for prizewinners in Westminster
146 ranks, in the ballroom: January 28, CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, St.
Edward Landin; February 23, Peter Artists), Chris Shepard, artistic director, Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, and the
Royal College of Organists. Adjudica-
tors are Martin Baker, Steven Grahl,
and Edward Higginbottom. Deadline
MANDER ORGANS for application is February 28. For
information: www.rco.org.uk/events/
organ-competition-2018.
New Mechanical
Action Organs Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South
Carolina, Aeolian-Skinner organ con- The International Organ Com-
sole (photo credit: Andy Burriss) petition Saint-Maurice, Valais,
Switzerland, announces its 2018 com-
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, petition, August 22–24, in Lausanne and
South Carolina, will hold its Third Saint-Maurice. The competition is open
Annual International Organ Series to organists born in or after 1983. Appli-
recital on February 25, featuring Maxine cation deadline is April 30. First prize
Thévenot playing the university’s 1955 is CHF 10,000; second prize is CHF
Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1257, renovated 6,000; third prize is CHF 4,000. The jury
³ St. Peter’s Square - London E 2 7AF - England
by Orgues Létourneau in 2009. The consists of Georges Athanasiadès (Swit-
Exquisite [t] +44 (0) 20 7739 4747 - [f] +44 (0) 20 7729 4718 series is supported by the Hazel and zerland), Daniel Beckmann (Germany),
Continuo Organs [e] ManderUK@mander-organs.com Murray Somerville Organ Performance Alessio Corti (Italy), Arvid Gast (Ger-
www.mander-organs.com Endowment and Friends of the D. B. many), Vincent Genvrin (France), Alex-
Johnson Organ Performance Fund. Past ander Mayer (Germany), and Benjamin
years’ performances featured James Righetti (Switzerland). For information:
Imaginative Reconstructions O’Donnell (2016) and Stefan Engels www.concoursorgue.ch.
6 Q THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM
Here & There
People in C minor, D minor, and A minor, as Publishers
Gail Archer announces her organ well as Gounod’s Funeral March of a Breitkopf & Härtel announces new
recitals and other musical events for Marionette and Toccata in F Minor publications: The Last Judgment, by
2018: January 21, St. Philip’s Cathedral, by W. Ralph Driffil. Soprano Erin Friedrich Schneider, for soloists, choir,
Atlanta, Georgia; 1/28, Aspen Commu- McOmber offered songs by Gershwin and orchestra (full score, PB32025, €136;
nity Church, Aspen, Colorado; February (“Blah, Blah, Blah”), Bernstein (“Rabbit vocal score, EB32025, €27.95), edited
11, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assump- at Top Speed”), Tom Lehrer (“I Hold by Nick Pfefferkorn, is an Urtext of the
tion, San Francisco, California; 2/18, Your Hand in Mine”), Frank Loesser composer’s second oratorio, premiered
Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton, (“Adelaide’s Lament”), and Lerner and in Leipzig in 1820. Missa Omnium Sanc-
Virginia; 2/24, St. Procopius Abbey, Loewe (“Just You Wait”). Of particular torum in A Minor, for soloists, choir, and
Lisle, Illinois; March 4, St. Anthony of note was a demonstration and perfor- orchestra (full score PB5578, €79.90;
Padua Catholic Church, New Bedford, mance on the hydraulophone by Steve vocal score PB8052, €21.90), edited by
Rhode Island; 3/11, Anchorage Lutheran Mann, who developed and named this Wolfgang Horn, is the composer’s last
Church, Anchorage, Alaska; 3/18, Inter- Simon Johnson instrument. The hydraulophone is a Mass setting. For information:
national Organ Festival, Basilica of Santa tonal acoustic instrument played by www.breitkopf.com.
Maria, Igualada, Spain; April 11, Uni- Performances include: January 3, 7:30 direct physical contact with water, the
versity of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, p.m., St. Peter’s Cathedral, Marquette, expressive sound being generated or Doblinger announces new organ
Canada; 4/13, Holy Rosary Cathedral, Michigan; 1/5, 8:00 p.m., Rockefeller affected hydraulically. It is the world’s publications: Thème, Variations, et
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; 4/15, Memorial Chapel, University of Chi- first underwater pipe organ. Mann, a Final, op. 28, by Jean Langlais (02-
United Church of Canandaigua, Canan- cago, Chicago, Illinois; 1/7, 3:00 p.m., professor of electrical and computer 511, €12.95), was composed in 1937
daigua, New York; 4/22, St. Mark’s Epis- Grace Cathedral, Topeka, Kansas; 1/9, engineering at the University of Toronto for organ, trumpet, trombones, and
copal Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois; 4/27, 7:00 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, and a visiting professor at Stanford strings, and later modified for the com-
Barnard-Columbia Chorus with the Alexandria, Louisiana; 1/12, 7:30 p.m., University, is best known for his work poser’s second organ concerto. Partita
Choir of the University of Bolzano, Italy, Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Beth- on computational photography, par- ‘Der Nacht ist vorgedrungen,’ by Peter
Verdi, Messa da Requiem, Church of the lehem, Pennsylvania; 1/14, 3:00 p.m., ticularly wearable computing and high Planyavsky (02-484, €14.95), is a set
Ascension, New York, New York; 4/29, Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, New dynamic range imaging. of seven variations on a Christmas
Palmyra Church of the Brethren, Pal- York, New York. Performing with him was his collabo- carol by Jochen Klepper from 1938.
myra, Pennsylvania; May 13, Our Lady Recently Johnson played solo recitals rator Ken Yang, a concert pianist and Hermann Pius Vergeiner’s Orgelwerke
of Fatima Catholic Church, Lafayette, at the Royal Festival Hall, London, and graduate of the Glenn Gould School of are printed for the first time, edited by
Louisiana; 5/21–26, Barnard-Columbia at Eglise Saint-Antoine des Quinze- Music and faculty of law at the Univer- Bernhard Prammer. The two volumes
Chorus exchange with the University Vingts in Paris, France. He will accom- sity of Toronto. They performed several of pieces by this student of Anton
of Bolzano, Italy; 5/27, Cathedral of the pany the St. Paul’s Choir on its tours of classical pieces and folk tune arrange- Bruckner (DM 1485 and DM 1498,
Immaculate Conception, Denver, Colo- the United States in April and of China ments. To view a performance of the each €14.95), composed between 1884
rado. For information: gailarcher.com. in October. During summer 2018 he will hydraulophone, visit: https://youtu.be/ and 1888, include 50 pieces, mostly
play concerts in Norway, Sweden, and Op2YFWwjlAI. For information on the short preludes, fugues, and fantasias.
Germany. For North American tours hydraulophone, visit: For information:
Johnson is under the management of www.splashtones.com. www.doblinger-musikverlag.at.
the William Wymond Agency LLC. For
information: billw@fpcjackson.org. The Hymn Society in the United
Organizations States and Canada announces release
The Institute of Oaxacan Historic of Singing Welcome: Hymns and Songs
Organs (IOHIO), Oaxaca, Mexico, has of Hospitality to Refugees and Immi-
become a self-financing organization grants, a collection of 46 hymns and
after many years of support from the songs available for free download from
Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca Founda- the society’s website. The collection
tion. IOHIO continues its ongoing was compiled through the work of
work of promoting the important and David Bjorlin, Benjamin Brody, Hillary
historic organs of the Oaxaca, Mexico, Seraph Donaldson, Delores Dufner,
region through concerts, teaching, OSB, Paul A. Richardson, and Eric
conferences, organ maintenance and Sarwar. For information:
Eleanor Muhawi and James Welch restoration projects, publication of www.thehymnsociety.org.
Oaxacan folk music for organ or piano,
Eleanor Muhawi presented a recital publication of a catalogue of Oaxacan Melcot Music announces publica-
sponsored by the San Jose Chapter organs, and the organization’s Organ tion of Carol Williams’s transcription of
of the American Guild of Organists and Early Music festivals. Donors may Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the
Jacques Boucher at Notre Dame November 10, 2017, following her give to the organization via check or Bumblebee. The score may be ordered at
Cathedral, Paris, France award of the chapter’s annual Frasier PayPal. For further information: a cost of $10 from www.melcot.com.
Organ Scholarship competition in May. www.iohio.org.mx. ³ page 8
Jacques Boucher of Québec, The recital was given at St. Andrew’s
Canada, presented a solo organ recital Episcopal Church in Saratoga, Califor-
in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, nia. Muhawi is a sophomore at Valley
October 21. The event concluded a short Christian High School in San Jose,
recital tour presented with Anne Rob- where she accompanies two choirs and
ert, violinist, with programs in Vaucres- sings in the chamber choir. The recital
son, at Marcel Dupré’s former residence program included works of Pardini,
in Meudon, and at St-Augustin Church Bach, Charpentier, Held, Mendels-
in Paris. The duo will tour France again sohn, Langlais, Dale Wood, and Widor.
in 2018 with recitals, including one for Muhawi is a student of James Welch.
the Avignon Festival. Jacques Boucher
is organist and music director at St-Jean-
Baptiste Church, Montréal, and Anne
Robert is professor at the Conservatoire
de musique, Montréal. For information:
www.jacquesboucher.org.
Thomas F. Froehlich, associate
director of music and organist at First
Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas,
was honored recently for his 40 years
of service. Prior to his move to Dallas,
Froehlich studied for three years in
Paris, France, with Marie-Claire Alain. Ken Yang, Erin McOmber, Steve
Preceding his time in Paris he earned Mann, and James Welch with the
degrees from Lawrence University, hydraulophone
Appleton, Wisconsin, and Northwestern
University, Evanston, Illinois. On October 31, 2017, James Welch
performed his 25th annual Halloween “dazzling … a deftly balanced presentation of strikingly contrasting essays,
Simon Johnson, organist and concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Miss Archer offers beautifully turned, reflective and buoyant readings”
assistant director of music at St. Paul’s Palo Alto, California. The theme was — WORLD MUSIC REPORT —
Cathedral, London, UK, will be on tour “Bach from the Dead,” and Welch per-
MORE INFORMATION: gailarcher.com TO PURCHASE: meyer-media.com
in the United States early this month. formed preludes and fugues by Bach
WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 Q 7
Here & There
Nunc Dimittis the Royal College of Music, England, on an
Margaret Smith McAlister died Sep- organ scholarship in 1949, studying with
tember 11, 2017. Born November 20, 1923, Arthur Benjamin (piano), William Harris
she was a lifelong resident of Tampa, Flor- (organ), and W. S. Lloyd Webber (compo-
ida. McAlister’s early organ study began at sition), McLean was the first Canadian to
the age of 13 with Nella Crandall, organist be named Mann Organ Scholar at King’s
of First Christian Church, Tampa. At age College Chapel, Cambridge, under Boris
14, McAlister became organist at Highland Ord, 1951–1956. He made his London
Avenue Methodist Church. She earned her debut in 1955 at the Royal Festival Hall
bachelor’s degree in music education and with Adrian Boult and the London Philhar-
a certificate in organ studies from Florida monic Orchestra in the premiere of Mal-
State College for Women (now Florida colm Arnold’s Organ Concerto, a command
State University), where she studied with performance in the presence of Queen
Margaret Whitney Dow and Ramona Hugh John McLean Elizabeth II. Returning to Vancouver,
Beard. Her organ studies continued as a Hugh served as organist and choirmaster at
graduate student at The Juilliard School in Ryerson United Church (1957–1973). He founded and conducted the Vancouver
Margaret Smith McAlister New York City with Vernon de Tar. Cantata Singers, the Hugh McLean Consort, and the CBC Vancouver Singers. He
In 1947, McAlister became organist at taught at the universities of Victoria (1967–1969) and British Columbia (1969–
First Presbyterian Church, Tampa, where she served faithfully until her retire- 1973) before joining the faculty of music at the University of Western Ontario,
ment in 2012. During her 65-year tenure at the church, she also served as music London. While at Western (1973–1995) he served as dean (1973–1980) and taught
director at various times. She served two terms as dean of the Tampa Chapter organ, harpsichord, and music history. During his tenure as organist at St. John the
of the American Guild of Organists and several terms as AGO district convener Evangelist, London, he collaborated with organbuilder Gabriel Kney on the instal-
for Florida. Each year, the Tampa Chapter of the AGO provides a scholarship in lation of an organ for the church, and again for the Roy Thompson Hall organ,
McAlister’s name to a local organ student. Toronto, performing at the instrument’s inaugural gala concert in 1985.
McAlister was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, national music honorary, and was McLean retired from University of Western Ontario to assume the post of organist
a member of the music faculties at University of Tampa and Clearwater Christian and choirmaster at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Winter Park, Florida (1995–2010).
College. She served as music department accompanist for 25 years at Hillsborough The parish Senior Choir undertook four summer sojourns as guest choir in resi-
Community College, Ybor Campus, Tampa. McAlister served as state chairman and dence in Anglican cathedrals of the UK and Ireland. In addition to broadcasts on the
member of the national executive board of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, CBC, McLean also broadcast with the BBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corpora-
and was a Certified Associate Church Musician in that organization. McAlister also tion, Swiss Radio, and NHK Japan. The first Canadian organist to tour the USSR, he
served as a member of the worship subcommittee of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. also performed in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and two of Bach’s churches
Margaret Smith McAlister is survived by a sister, six children, seven grandchil- (Muhlhausen and Leipzig’s Thomaskirche). He gave many Canadian premieres
dren, and three great grandchildren. A funeral service was held September 23 at including Hindemith’s Organ Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, Vancouver (1970–1972)
First Presbyterian Church, Tampa. The choir, which she had accompanied for 65 and appeared as organ soloist with the Toronto Symphony in 1979, 1982, and 1985.
years, performed her favorite anthem, My Eternal King, by Jane Marshall, as well Specializing in 17th- and 18th-century musicology studies and awarded Canada
as two responses composed by McAlister. Council grants to research at archives in Japan, Poland, and the the former East
Germany, he served on the editorial board of the new C. P. E. Bach edition and
Hugh John McLean, organist, choirmaster, and musicologist, died July wrote 19 articles for the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
30, 2017, in Naples, Florida. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Hugh John McLean is survived by his wife, Florence Anne, and their chil-
January 5, 1930. McLean began organ study as a teenager with Hugh Bancroft in dren, Ross Alan and Olivia Anne, his sons Robert Andreas, John Stuart, and
Vancouver. At age 15, he was appointed organist to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Hugh Dundas (by his late wife, Gunlaug Julie Gaberg), nine grandchildren, two
Winnipeg, and at 17, presented his first broadcast organ recital on CBC. Attending sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Q
³ page 7 Celebrating 150 Years of Organ Music
Michael’s Sheet Music Service in Salt Lake City (10-217, $22) features
announces sheet music restorations: hymn settings by Clay Christiansen, Rich-
Prelude on Divinum Mysterium, by T. ard Elliott, Bonnie Goodliffe, Franklin
Frederick H. Candlyn, a very easily Ashdown, and five others. For informa-
playable work on “Of the Father’s Love tion: www.morningstarmusic.com.
Begotten,” one of this composer’s most
popular pieces; Thème Varié, by Guy The Organ Historical Society has
Ropartz, a piece for service playing or a published its 2018 Pipe Organ Cal-
light interlude in a recital; Grand Choeur endar, celebrating the organization’s
Militaire, by Gottfried Federlein, a 63rd annual convention. The calendar
clever march published in 1912; and features photography of Len Levasseur,
Carillon, by William Faulkes, a uniquely focusing on the organs of the Rochester,
light and lyric work. For information: New York, area. Organbuilders rep-
www.michaelsmusicservice.com. resented include Hook, C. E. Morey,
Fritts, Aeolian, Holtkamp, Schlicker,
MorningStar Music Publishers C. B. Fisk, Inc., Taylor & Boody, Hope-
announces new publications: Lift Up Jones, and others. For information:
Your Hearts: Five Pieces for Solo Instru- https://organhistoricalsociety.org.
ment and Organ (20-630, $22) includes Lift Up Your Heads Graded Keyboard Musicianship
works by Edward Elgar, James H. Rog- Paraclete Press announces new
ers, Gaston Dethier, Arthur Foote, and solo instrument by Charles Callahan. releases of anthems: Ubi Caritas, by Tim for Manuals, edited by Robert Gower
John Ireland, transcribed for organ and Reflections: Nine Hymn Arrangements Knight, for Lent (SATB with organ); I (978-0-19-3517-64-6, $18), is a collec-
Am the Resurrection, by Larry J. Long, tion of practical repertoire from the 18th
for Easter (unison treble choir with to the 21st centuries for church organ-
organ); Rejoice in the Lord, by Alfred ists, of easy difficulty. Graded Keyboard
V. Fedak (SATB with organ); Christ Is Musicianship, by Anne Marsden Thomas
Arisen, Alleluia!, by Jerome W. Malek, and Frederick Stocken (Book 1, 978-
for Easter (SATB with piano); Always 0-19-341193-7, $25, and Book 2, 978-
Be Glad, by Bruce Saylor (SATB with 0-19-341194-4, $25), provides graded
children’s choir and organ); Psalm 47, by and integrated exercises for developing
Martin Leadbetter, for Ascension (SATB core skills at the piano, with attention
with organ). For further information: to figured bass, score reading, transpos-
www.paracletesheetmusic.com. ing, harmonization, and improvisation.
Book 1 is for beginning to intermediate
Oxford University Press announces students; Book 2 is for intermediate to
new music publications: The Oxford advanced. For information:
Book of Lent and Easter Organ Music www.oup.com.
8 Q THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM
Here & There
the Aeolian-Skinner King of Instru- of 2017. The completed organ will be
ments series, Volume V—The Music of installed and playing by Easter of 2019.
Richard Purvis. Taken from the original For information: http://foleybaker.com/.
Aeolian-Skinner master tapes, this
historic recording features Richard
Purvis playing his own music on the
organ of Grace Cathedral, San Fran-
cisco, California. Works include Partita
on CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN, Pastorale on
FOREST GREEN, Adoration, Divinum
Mysterium, Capriccio on the Notes
of the Cuckoo, Introit and Elevation,
and two additional tracks of previously
unreleased material. The CD booklet
includes Purvis’s biography, description
and stoplist of the organ, notes on the Versus
repertoire and registration, and vintage
photos courtesy of the Grace Cathedral Regent Recordings announces release
Archives. This is a monaural recording. of a new CD, Versus (REGCD516), the
Arthur Poister For information: first recording of the 2014 Marc Garnier Schoenstein & Co. organ rendering,
www.easttexaspipeorganfestival.com. organ in Elgar Concert Hall, University Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill,
of Birmingham, UK. The disc features Massachusetts
Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc.,
announces the forthcoming publication of Henry Fairs performing works of Bach,
Arthur Poister, Master Teacher and Poet Bruhns, Schumann, Franz Danksagmül- Schoenstein & Co. of Benicia, Cali-
of the Organ, by David C. Pickering, ler, and Jon Laukvik. The mechanical fornia, is constructing a three-manual,
expected June 15, 2018. The biography action organ has three manual divisions 31-rank organ for the Church of the
of over 500 pages covers the life and (Hauptwerk, Kleinwerk, Schwellwerk) Redeemer, Chestnut Hill, a suburb of
the performing and teaching careers of in the main case and in a mildly unequal Boston, Massachusetts. The organ is
Poister (1898–1980). A chronology of his temperament (A=440 Hz), as well as a designed strictly for the Anglican service
life includes details on his studies and his “chair organ” in the gallery case, for which with emphasis on Diapason tone and
teaching at Redlands University, Univer- the organist must reverse position to play, English-style reeds, complete with an
sity of Minnesota, Oberlin Conservatory, in meantone tuning (A=415 Hz). For unenclosed Tuba. An unusual feature
and Syracuse University. Included are 13 information: www.regentrecords.com. is the 32′ Open Wood to low F located
appendices detailing students, master- at the west end of the nave. The organ
classes, a discography, and recital venues. façade was designed to blend with the
Leupold Editions is accepting subscrip- Organbuilders elegant architecture of renowned archi-
tions for the book through February 28, tect Henry Vaughan. Installation will be
with various categories beginning at $50. Battleground mid-year 2018. The rector of Church
For information: 800/765-3196. of the Redeemer is the Rev. Michael
LAWO Classics announces release of B. Dangelo; the director of music is
a new CD, Battleground, featuring the Michael S. Murray. For information:
Recordings Omstridt Duo (Anders Eidsten Dahl, www.schoenstein.com.
Beautiful Star Publishing organ, and Marius Hesby, trombone),
announces the release of a new CD recorded in Bragernes Church, Dram-
recording, If—What Do I Know of men, Norway. The disc includes works
Calvary Love?, for soprano solo with for organ and trombone, especially
piano, featuring soprano Vanessa Libbey works composed for the duo. Composers
accompanied by Alison Beck. The collec- include: Stig Nordhagen, Arne Rod-
tion of 15 songs from Amy Carmichael’s velt Olsen, Lars-Thomas Holm, John Richard Cote examines Holy Cross
book “If” is composed by Denice Rip- Laukvik, and Petr Eben. For informa- façade pipes in storage at Foley-Baker
pentrop. The CD runs about 60 minutes tion: www.lawo.no. facility in Manchester, Connecticut.
and sells for $15.99. To listen to one of
the songs, If At The Moment, visit www. Holy Cross Catholic Church, New
beautifulstar.com. The recording took York, New York, has moved forward with
place at the Avatar Recording Studio, in its long anticipated project to rebuild St. Helen’s Church, Wheathampsted,
New York City. The CD is available at the church’s Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co. UK, Hill, Norman & Beard organ
www.beautifulstar.com. Opus 908. One of the first sales contracts
after the merger of the Aeolian and the F. H. Browne & Sons, Ltd., of Kent,
Skinner companies, the organ reflects the UK, used Solid State Organ Systems
tonal thinking of Ernest M. Skinner and MultiSystem II in the overhaul and
G. Donald Harrison. The specification re-electrification of the Hill, Norman
will be completed with a Swell 16′ cho- & Beard organ at St. Helen’s Church,
rus reed, for which space was prepared Wheathampsted, UK. Solid State was
but the rank never purchased. The firm chosen because of the flexibility for
selected for the work is Foley-Baker, future additions, service reliability, and
Nordic Journey, Volume VII Inc., of Tolland, Connecticut, and Long quick customer service. For information:
Island, New York. Work started in July www.ssosystems.com. Q
Pro Organo announces release of a
new CD, Nordic Journey, Volume VII
(CD 7285, $24.98). The disc features
the three organs of Nidaros Cathedral
in Trondheim, Norway, played by James
Hicks. Recorded in August 2017, the
two-disc set is the first commercial
recording to feature all three of the
cathedral’s instruments by Joachim Wag-
ner (1740), G. F. Steinmeyer (1930), and
Richard Purvis at Grace Cathedral (cour- Torkildsen (2015). The series recorded
tesy: Grace Cathedral archives) by Hicks features compositions by Nor- Church of Saint Jude the Apostle
dic composers, and this release includes Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
The East Texas Pipe Organ Fes- works by Arild Sandvold, Juhani Pohjan- Three manuals – forty ranks
tival announces release of its compact mies, and Fredrik Sixten. For informa-
disc, recreating the LP recording from tion: www.proorgano.com.
A RTISTRY – R ELIABILITY – A DAPTABILITY
WEEKEND ORGAN Jacques Stinkens
Orgelpijpenmakers B.V.
MEDITATIONS sinds 1914
Flues - Reeds
Grace Church in New York Your personal wishes are in good hands
www.stinkens.nl
www.gracechurchnyc.org info@stinkens.nl
WWW.THEDIAPASON.COM THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 Q 9
Harpsichord Notes
A posthumous gift from
Gustav Leonardt
It is now six years since Gustav Leon-
hardt departed this mortal coil on Janu-
ary 16, 2012, but his idiomatic arrange-
ments of J. S. Bach’s solo violin and
cello suites, partitas, and sonatas have
recently been published by Bärenreiter-
Verlag. This new volume presents an
unexpected New Year’s gift to those of
us who had feared that the master harp-
sichordist’s transcriptions of some of the
composer’s most beloved music might
have been burned along with the bulk of
his personal correspondence.
Issued in the familiar-looking blue
Bach Edition as Suites, Partitas, Sonatas Commencement Day, Southern Methodist University 1983: Larry Palmer, Eleanor Southern Methodist University, 1983:
Transcribed for Harpsichord (BA 11820, Tufts, Gustav Leonhardt, Alessandra Comini (Tufts and Comini were Distinguished Profes- Leonhardt with alumnus Dean Billmey-
€39.95) the idiomatic arrangements have sors of Art History at SMU) (Larry Palmer collection) er (Larry Palmer collection)
been prepared for publication by Leon-
hardt’s friend and student Sieba Henstra,
who has contributed a comprehensive edi-
torial commentary. Skip Sempé’s eloquent
preface quotes Bach contemporaries
Jacob Adlung and Johann Friedrich Agric-
ola, both of whom wrote about Bach’s own
keyboard performances of these works
that were originally written for bowed
string instruments. Sempé concludes by
quoting Leonhardt’s own words from the
Dutchman’s notes to a 1976 recording: “I
think that Bach would have forgiven me
for the fact that I have set myself to mak-
ing arrangements of his works; whether or
not he would have forgiven the way I have Dr. Leonhardt, 1983
done it, remains, of course, a moot point.”
The following 135 pages of music com- G. L. dubs me his
prise the violin sonatas in D minor, trans- “Doctor-Father”
posed from the original G minor, BWV An excerpt from a letter received from
1001; in G major, from C major, BWV Professor Leonhardt, dated Amsterdam,
1005; three Partitas, in E minor, from the June 3, 2003:
original B minor, BWV 1002; G minor,
from D, BWV 1004; and A major, from Dear Larry, Gustav Leonhardt recital program, May 22, 1983
E, BWV 1006. The cello suites in E-flat, . . . Fond memories bring me back to
Dallas’ SMU [Southern Methodist Univer-
BWV 1010, C minor, BWV 1011, and D sity]. Do you know that you started my se- time around, it happened that I usually for 1982, but he communicated to
major, BWV 1012, are transcribed with- ries [of honorary degrees]? Followers were arrived at the train station about the same SMU’s administrators that he would
out a change of key; and two individual Amsterdam, Harvard, Metz and Padova . . . time as my professor. We would have cof- be delighted to arrange his schedule to
movements, an Allemande in A minor, With all best wishes, fee together as we made the short trip to accept his first doctorate the following
Yours ever,
from Bach’s Partita for Flute, BWV 1013, Utti L. Haarlem, and I came to know Leonhardt year. Thus it was that on May 21, 1983,
and “Sarabande in C Minor” from his as a delightful travel companion, as well I had the proud honor of reading Gustav
Suite for Lute, BWV 997, are likewise A lengthy backstory is involved, the cul- as an inspiring teacher. Leonhardt’s doctoral citation, ending
both transcribed in their original keys. mination of many years of varied experi- After my 1970 move to teach in Dallas with the time-honored statement, “In
It has been an unmitigated pleasure to ences with Leonhardt. there were quite a few opportunities to recognition of his consummate artistry
play through these magnificent pieces and I first visited Haarlem, the Nether- hear Leonhardt during his various concert and service to the world of music,
a special joy to have another musical con- lands, during the summer of 1958 when trips to the United States. As a member of Southern Methodist University is proud
nection to a great mentor and friend—the fellow Oberlin organ major Max Yount SMU’s faculty senate for 12 years, eventu- to confer upon Gustav Leonhardt the
opportunity to play Leonhardt’s harpsi- and I drove through much of northern ally I was named chair of the Honorary degree Doctor of Music, honoris causa.”
chord-friendly version of the extensive Europe following our junior year at the Degrees Committee. Perusing a list of Shortly thereafter he suggested that,
D-Minor Ciaccona for Solo Violin (which Salzburg Mozarteum. We spent sev- past recipients I noted that artists, musi- from henceforth, it need not be “Dr.
sounds magnificent in its higher G minor eral days in the charming Dutch town, cians, and women seemed to be few and Leonhardt” or “Dr. Palmer,” but, in
key) and to compare it with the thicker, attending events sponsored by its annual far between in the honors lists, so I pro- friendship, the time had come for us
more pianistic arrangement by John Summer Academy. Four years later, after posed three names to the senate: Georgia to use first names, even the diminutive
Challis (his 1941 manuscript found at the completing doctoral study at the Eastman O’Keeffe, Leonard Bernstein, and Gustav “Utti” that his close friends were invited
Library of Congress, still unpublished). I School in Rochester, New York, I was Leonhardt. My faculty colleagues were to call him.
recommend this new volume to all harp- hired for my first academic position at St. enthusiastic about all three of them. As part of Utti’s commencement
sichordists who love Bach’s music, and Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, Virginia, a The university president, however, weekend in Dallas he gave a solo recital
I wish for each player the unique joy of small school where I taught for two years not so much. There was a rule that each (which included his transcription of the
experiencing yet another addition to our as a replacement music professor while honors recipient had to appear in person D-Minor Violin Partita), conducted a
ever-expanding keyboard repertoire. the incumbent was pursuing his doctoral to receive the degree. Georgia O’Keeffe harpsichord masterclass for our students,
studies. Following that first year of teach- let it be known that she did not need the and served as the much-appreciated
A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Co.
ing I returned to Europe during the sum- honor, but would be happy to accept speaker for the evening ceremony dur-
mer break to attend the first of my two it if it were bestowed in a balloon over ing which each School of the Arts stu-
Haarlem summer academies. The year Albuquerque. I suggested that a video dent walked across the stage to receive
was 1964, and my purpose was to join the could be made of such an event, one that the diploma signifying a degree that
three-week class of intensive harpsichord would surely arouse far-reaching inter- had been granted that morning at the
studies with Professor Gustav Leonhardt. est throughout the entire United States. all-university ceremony. Utti had found
Three years later I returned to Haar- The president nearly had apoplexy, and a 17th-century English poem about a
lem, full of ideas and solutions that that idea was scuttled at once. Leonard hard-drinking British university student,
had been developing since that first Bernstein was already scheduled to be a word picture that soon had his audience
encounter with Leonhardt’s teaching. By in Dallas to conduct a benefit concert in convulsed in paroxysms of laughter. We
this time I was fully convinced that his SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium on the next had many post-ceremony requests for
examples of number symbolism and its day following commencement. In this that text, but we never procured a copy
hidden truths in many Bach works were instance I suggested that his degree cer- of it. I still wonder if, perhaps, Utti, who
New Instruments Tonal Additions indeed correct as well as fascinating. We emony be postponed until that evening, had a very droll sense of humor, might
Rebuilding Maintenance had a very full repertoire assignment for when it would make sense to bestow not have composed the poem himself?
New Consoles Tuning that summer of 1967, and many of the Lennie’s honor during the concert’s At any rate, I found it amusing, as
participants in Leonhardt’s classes were intermission. Again, it was too radical an did he, that a student should become
How can we help you? too reticent to volunteer as players. I was
not afraid to play for him, so I was invited
idea, and Bernstein’s honorary degree
also was denied.
the “Doctor-Father” for his teacher, the
whole concept of which has to do with
800-836-2726 to do so quite frequently. And, since I was Leonhardt already had concert com- the thesis advisor for the philosophy
www.pipe-organ.com staying with a friend in Amsterdam this mitments on the date of the ceremonies doctorate in German academia. It has
10 Q THE DIAPASON Q JANUARY 2018 WWW.THEDIAPASON.COMYou can also read
