Introductory Recital for the Rebuilt Organ of The First
Mennonite Church
Dr. Scott Lehman, organist
November 17, 2002
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Oh, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing -- Paul Manz
With intro comments:
(Hymnal: A Worship Book, p. 110)We don't have 1000 tongues to sing God's praise, but we do have 2,859 pipes. This organ renovation was recommended by the committee, approved and sponsored by the congregation, and performed by the organ builder, all for the glory of God. I hope you are able to worship Him tonight through its music.
Dr. Scott Lehman's Introductory Comments
Psalm XX -- Benedetto Marcello
At the start of the Introductory Recital, Dr. Scott Lehman demonstrated the MIDI capabilities of the organ by going to the organ, pressing the Play button on the MIDI Data Filer, and going to sit with the congregation. The cameras of the event showed an empty organ console while the organ was playing. Dr. Lehman recorded this piece earlier in the afternoon.Psalm 20 begins, "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you", and ends with "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Marcello's musi uses the organ's power to remind us of God's unfailing power and protection.
Prelude and Fugue in B-flat Major - J.S. Bach
This is one of Bach's "Eight Little Preludes and Fugues" which are shorter and less complicated than most of his larger organ works. They were likely written for use in teaching Bach's sons, and they are still an important part of the beginner organist's education. Nonetheless, they are "real music" and an excellent display of Bach's musical genius, which he used to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
Eight Psalm Impressions - Douglas Wagner
The Psalms originated as songs that were sung by the ancient Hebrews to teach truths about the Lord and to express feelings of praise, thankfulness, and lament. Wagner has written this classical yet modern music that evokes the images of these eight verses.
I am excited to perform this work, because it goes so nicely with this organ. The range of sounds available in this organ are very appropriate for the music Wagner has written and really bring these verses to life musically.
Allegro Assai Vivace from "First Organ Sonata" -- Felix Mendelssohn
Although Mendelssohn is well-known throughout the classical music world, his six organ sonatas and three preludes and fugues are familiar mainly to organists. His music fills a niche in the organist's library with more fullness than the earlier baroque music of Bach and a sweeter, more melodious sound than most of the composers who followed him. This movement is an especially exciting sample of Mendelssohn's organ works.
Four Hymn Settings -- Gordon Young
Of all the modern composers who regularly arrange hymns for organ solo, Gordon Young is probably one of the least predictable. His arrangements vary widely enough that there is no "Gordon Young sound" to identify them, and they often stand out from other music in a church service. The four arrangements I've chosen here show some of the variety available in his music.
He's Got the Whole World In His Hands - Lani Smith
(The Celebration Hymnal, p. 416)You probably won't find any Piano-Organ duets on the program of a "serious" organ recital. On the other hand, I find that listeners enjoy duets more than almost any other music I play. I am thankful to our church's music coordinator and my good friend, Mary Beth Huser, for joining me in this fun duet.
Poor Wayfaring Stranger -- John Innes
Although we in the more affluent parts of the world seldom think about it, all Christians are wanderers on earth waiting to reach our heavenly home. John Innes, a former member of the Billy Graham team, uses the accompaniment part throughout this arrangement to represent our footsteps on the journey. For the solo voice, I am using the Vox Humana rank of pipes, part of the original organ installed by the Moeller company in 1914.
He Leadeth Me -- L.N. Porter
(Hymnal: A Worship Book, p. 110)This setting captures the gospel hymn's message of the comfort we have by allowing God to lead us through life. The last verse of the hymn speaks of fearing not even death when He is our guide.
Toccata from "Fifth Organ Symphony" -- Charles-Marie Widor
Widor was a renowned organist, composer, and teacher who served as organist at the St. Sulpice Church in Paris for 64 years until his death in 1937. He joined his friend and pupil, the great missionary/organist/physician Albert Schweitzer, in editing and publishing a complete version of Bach's organ music, which is the same edition I used for the Bach piece earlier in this recital. Today, this toccata is probably the most popular piece of French organ music, and it gives any organ a chance to show its power. I encourage you to close your eyes and imagine you're in one of the great cathedrals of Europe, listening to an organ built as a lasting tribute to the Glory of the Lord.