September 2011
A Symphonic Organ in the Cradle of the Symphony
The new Rieger Organ in the Golden Hall of the Music Society in Vienna
Introduction
For centuries, Vienna, the capital of Austria, has been regarded by many as Europe’s music capital. It is…
Long before I began my formal training
for degrees in organ performance, I spent many occasions playing my grandmother’s Hammond C-3, known as the “Church Model Hammond.” During my junior year in high school, in 1962, I was given the job…
Over the years, I’ve asked myself why
harpsichordists aren’t expected to memorize, and, like many harpsichordists, I’d been asked by audiences why I didn’t play from memory. I know of many reasons! Memorization keeps the player from free…
Thoughts on teaching
interpretation
Interpretation is fascinating from many points of view. These include the relationship between interpretation and technique, how different approaches to the problems of authenticity affect interpretive…
Introduction
In 2010 J. S. Bach, G. F. Handel, and D. Scarlatti, who were born 325 years ago, once again were the main figures of the musical calendar. Once again thousands of performers and scholars strove to express their reverence for…
We’re havin’ a heat wave
It’s hot. I’m writing in mid-July from the coast of Maine, where we usually enjoy cool ocean breezes. But records are being set. It was 98 degrees in Portland yesterday and it’s 98 degrees at home today. I said…
Remembering Wm. Neil Roberts
(1929–2011)
Contemplating an invitation to play a harpsichord recital in California and not knowing where to find a suitable instrument, I turned to Gustav Leonhardt for some advice. His response, “You can’t go…
Elaine Sylvia Bliss died May 7 in Rochester, New Hampshire. She studied music at Middlebury College, where she received her BA in 1956, and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where she earned her MS in 1960. Bliss served…
Robert William Wallace Pipe Organs, Newport News, Virginia
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia
This new 49-rank organ is the centerpiece of a substantial renovation of the interior of the…
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