A video is available on YouTube that features Richard Wayne Dirksen (1921–2003), former organist, choirmaster, precentor, and composer in residence of Washington National Cathedral. Made when he retired in 1991, this video documents part of the Evensong service in his honor and the subsequent reception at which over 50 of his former Glee Club students came together from around the country to surprise him with a reprise of several numbers from the four full-length operettas he had composed for them in the 1950s.
Those familiar with Dirksen’s church music and who might enjoy a bit of the lighter side of his output will find it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R1J0Gs8yfM. A Dropbox containing some of Dirksen’s lesser-known works, a discography, an analysis and listing of his hymns, and catalog of his works has been set up. It also includes a full performance, vocal score and instrumental parts, of his oratorio, Jonah, composed in 1956. This can be accessed at http://bit.ly/dirksen.
For more information on Dirksen’s liturgical music, contact Mark Dirksen, [email protected].
To learn more about the operettas, contact Rick Dirksen, [email protected].
