All set for a history lesson
ORGANIST Peter Warren will explore the full range of the St David’s Cathedral organ and church-related events at his free Organ Society of Hobart concert on Monday.
The concert will be in three sets spanning 300 years and will begin with Trumpet Tune in D, by Henry Purcell.
“It’s very joyous, noble and atmospheric and makes for a triumphant start,” Warren said.
“We’ll then settle in with the meditative piece Cantilena, by Josef Rheinberger. It has a mesmerising sound that gives you a feeling of peace and beauty.
“Pageant from Three Pieces for Organ, by Francis Jackson, has wonderful harmonies and is noble and glorious.”
The second set focuses on specific events of the church year, starting with J.S. Bach’s Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesus Christ from the Little Organ Book.
“It is linked to Lent and is a very quiet, intimate piece,” Warren said.
“In Dulci Jubilo, also by Bach, is based on a medieval Christmas carol and is very spatial, with a glorious big sound.
“Alleluia, from Twelve Pieces for Organ by Theodore Dubois, is a work for Easter and is based on medieval plainsong. He makes interesting and exciting harmonies, time signatures and modulations, and it has an improvisational quality.”
The third set celebrates occasions linked to the church, including an ecumenical gathering, a memorial service and a wedding, beginning with Paraphrase on a Chorus from Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, by Alexandre Guilmant.
“Guilmant begins it with a brassy fanfare, followed by romantic harmonies in the fugue, and it finishes with an amazing climax,” Warren said.
“Ricordi’s arrangement of Adagio in Sol Minore by Albinoni works really well and everyone will know it. It is full of pathos and is an amazing piece that can move you to tears.
“We’ll end on a happier note with Tuba Tune by C.S. Lang, which is very joyous, and the toe-tapping party piece Toccata (for a wedding) for Isobel and Damien by Philip Cranmer.”
The concert is at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart at 5pm on Monday. Entry is free.
— PENNY THOW
