Four Eclations
organ (1991) 4’
published by Sweet Child Music
- broadcast on National Public Radio's Pipe Dreams, April 1999
Because I grew up in a Jewish conservative synagogue, I was not exposed to much organ music throughout my youth. It wasn't until well into my graduate studies that I began to listen thoughtfully to organ music.
Thus, when a composers collective in which I was active decided to put on a concert featuring organ, I was rather bemused, and I had to quickly learn about how to write for the instrument. After a short demonstration and reading some books, I dove in head-first.
Because I wasn't fully comfortable writing for organ, I decided that I should write a suite of short movements, rather than attempting a single extended piece. Each movement explores different textures, timbres, and playing techniques, giving the set an overall quirky style. |
