Organ music during Lent

In planning the organ music for this Lenten season, I thought I would cast a glance at the music genre of the Chorale Prelude. Many of the great composers for the organ have looked to the chorale or hymn repertoire to fashion musical settings based on a particular text and tune. They might take, for instance, a particular verse of a hymn or instead an overall “affect” to paint a musical picture. We can hear this most vividly in the chorale preludes of J.S. Bach, where a particular motive or an ornamented chorale melody (called the “cantus firmus”) outlines the meaning of a particular text.

In addition to Bach, we will hear composers from the past, such as Reger, as well as more recent contributions to the genre by names such as Parry (he of “I was glad” fame) and more contemporary American and British composers. The inspiration given by the hymn and chorale texts of past and present continues to inspire composers today!

I hope you will enjoy these musical offerings, and that they contribute to your Lenten reflection and meditation.

Dr Jeffrey Campbell, Associate Director of Music