The Toccata and Fugue in D minor might be more famous, but my favorite Bach piece for organ is the Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major, often referred to as “St. Anne” because the theme of the fugue sounds like a hymn tune with that name (I’ll let you listen to hear which hymn that is!).
Vibrato and historic organs
Following up on Early Music Sources’ excellent video on vibrato from a few weeks ago, here’s an article that explores the topic in more detail (especially about historic organs)!
Early Organs in Marburg
This week’s Early Music Monday post comes from Marburg, Germany! This organ from the early 1600s is on display in the Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte at the Landgrafenschloss (Museum for art and cultural history at the Landgrave’s Castle). Read more about this amazing instrument in the explanatory notes below!
Widor: Symphonie Romane
Chant melodies inspired instrumental works as well as vocal. Check out the chant melody below (the “Haec dies” for Easter Day) and then listen to how Widor used it in his magnificent Symphonie Romane (performed in the very building for which it was written).
