[From Mark Laubach]
Dear Friends:
I’m pleased to invite you to another dedicatory organ recital here at St. Stephen’s Church on Sunday, March 29th at 4 p.m.! I say “another” because I played the first dedicatory recital in April of 2003 after the completion of the work on all but the Solo division of the organ. Now that the Solo division has been added (in October 2008), the organ is truly COMPLETE, and this recital gives us an opportunity to celebrate this magnificent achievement!
The new Solo division includes six new ranks of pipes that
imitate orchestral sounds – strings (Gamba and Gamba Celeste), flute
(Doppelflöte), English horn, French horn, and English Tuba - and one
old rank, the Clarinet (the pipes are 100+ years old!). The division
also boasts a new set of Deagan tubular chimes and a Harp stop!
This program will give us a unique chance to hear all these new sounds
of the Solo division as well as all the rest of the instrument. I
believe I’ve selected music that will provide “something for everyone”
to enjoy. Here’s what else you can look forward to hearing on the
program…
Eugène Gigout, Grand Choeur Dialogue - highlighting the new Solo English Tuba and French horn in dialogue with the full main organ.
Herbert Howells, Psalm Prelude, Set Two, #1 (Psalm 130, v. 1 – De profundis) - a deeply moving tone poem in the great Anglican tradition, showcasing this instrument’s noticeable “English accent!”
G. F. Handel, Water Music Suite (arr. by Carl McKinley, adapted by M. Laubach) - transcriptions of five tuneful movements from Handel’s beloved suite of dances written for the riparian entertainment of England’s King George I.
Leo Sowerby, Carillon - this lush and touching piece will give us a unique chance to hear the new chimes and harp.
Three hymn preludes will offer us a chance to sing the hymns, each followed by these exciting settings for organ.
1. Fantasy on “Praise to the Lord, (Lobe den Herren) by Neils Gade (19th century Danish composer)
2.
Gospel Prelude on “What a friend we have in Jesus” by William Bolcom (a
unique blend of black gospel, jazz, and contemporary classic organ
composition by one of America’s most gifted living composers)
3. Toccata on “Now thank we all our God” by Egil Hovland (living Norwegian organist, choral conductor, and composer)
The dramatic conclusion of the program will be a single featured work, a spectacular masterpiece rarely performed live - Franz Liszt’s Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam”. This is a truly “orchestral” work that will show off the full tonal and dynamic scope of our instrument. With plenty of virtuosic fireworks, this piece is sure to rivet the attention of all present, despite its length (just shy of 30 minutes long)!
This recital is free and open to all, although we will invite those attending to contribute a free-will offering to support the NEW HOPE CAMPAIGN of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem. NEW HOPE is providing vital support to our companion diocese of Kajo Keji in the Sudan, as well as to social outreach ministries here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including St. Stephen’s Reach Ministry to those in need in our community.
For more information, feel free to contact me here at St. Stephen’s at mlaubach@ststephenswb.org. If you would like to be added to our Music from St. Stephen’s mailing and e-mailing lists, send your contact information to me at this address.
I hope you will be able to join us at St. Stephen’s – Sunday, March 29th at 4 p.m. - so together we can join in celebration of the completion of our grand pipe organ!
Blessings and thanks to you!
Canon Mark Laubach
Organist & Choirmaster
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Bethlehem
35 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
Telephone: (570)825-6653
Fax: (570)825-0430
Website: www.ststephenswb.org
E-mail: mlaubach@ststephenswb.org
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