"Only one life, 'twill soon be past
Only what's done for Christ will last."

Monday, February 10, 2014

Organ Concert, Dr. John Schwandt

It was a privilege almost missed last Friday.

We headed out to Plymouth, St. Philip the Deacon, to hear Dr. Schwandt play a wonderful concert on the Schantz organ. It was so cold and the Olympics were to be on....but we got in the car and made the trip to hear this guest organist from Oklahoma.

I think he must be one in a billion for talent.

My favorite thing was his improvisation. Given four melodic strains, he wove them together into brilliant organ compositions right off the top of his head!

I understand now that organ improvisation is a particularly French technique, but this had to be extraordinary.

Dr. Schwandt was given "E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come" (by Paul Manz), a tune by the Beatles, an old love song, and an island dance theme to put together into something truly gorgeous. I loved it. Everyone loved it!

I'm not sure how he did it, but I could see he had a complete knowledge of scales and key signatures. Maybe it all just came naturally?

I do a little improv on my flute from time to time, but Pipe Organ improvisation is a whole different level. Four, or even five manuals, full pedals, and myriad stops to maneuver makes this type of music spectacular.

I'm really not sure how he did it.

We are just so glad we didn't miss it. Improv is so fleeting. It's so momentary and "aktuell."  It would have been a shame to not have heard that unique work. Michael Barone was recording the evening, so perhaps we'll have the joy of hearing this particular work sometime again. I hope so. I'd love to.

We were able to hear another pipe organ concert at Como Park Lutheran on Sunday afternoon. That was sweet too. Those 4pm concerts are restful and quieting. That particular organ is so perfect for that space. Not too big, not too small, just right.

Looking forward to the next concert...

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On a different front, but still musical, we purchased tickets to hear Eric Whitacre direct the Minnesota Chorale, and his Israeli wife sing here in Minneapolis in April. So excited for that event too! Should be wonderful.






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