Music Notes for Feb. 28 -

This Sunday at 10:45 Dr. Alice Lee plays the prelude, Herzliebster Jesu (O Holy Jesus) from Johannes Brahms’ Op. 122. One of eleven chorale preludes based on German Chorales, these works are his last compositions and display his mature, almost Bach-like treatment of this organ genre. Ironically, because they are works for organ, they are less conspicuous in his repertoire and easily unseen among Brahms lovers. Perhaps to compensate, these organ works have been transcribed for orchestra so that his genius becomes more vivid to the musical ear. As standalone compositions, they are just fine as organ works and loved by all organists and listeners because we hear and appreciate the German master channeling the greatest of all- J. S. Bach.

The offertory anthem, Panis angelicus by Cesar Franck is what choristers call, “a chestnut”- much loved choral music and easily repeated without affectation. Katy Williams sings the opening text in Latin, the great hymn of Saint Thomas Aquinas that uses Aristotelian rhetoric to explain the sacred and miraculous Real Presence of Christ in the material world of bread and wine. The choral entrance switches to English imploring the Godhead to lead us to understanding this miracle and Eucharistic Sacrament.

I want to thank St. Paul’s parish for your gracious welcoming and hospitality for Justin Bischof’s three day residency with us last weekend. Through his recital and master classes with Pittsburgh organists, over 100 people came to St. Paul’s and left with uplifted hearts. Happily, so did Justin and we look for his return to Pittsburgh!