SKU: SU.80101410

Fantasy-Variations on Two Themes (2017) for organ was written for Heinrich Christensen in celebration of his significant 2017 birthday. The musical material for the work comprises two different themes. The first is a short melody by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931). (It was a sketch originally intended for inclusion in, but ultimately left out of, Nielsen's late organ work 29 Little Preludes.) This theme represents Heinrich's native Denmark. The second theme is the American folk-gospel hymn Angel Band. This theme represents Heinrich's adopted American homeland. It serves also as a remembrance of our dear mutual friend Harry Lyn Huff (1952-2016), for whom the tune was a particular favorite. Both these themes are developed freely in a set of alternating fantasy-variations. The opening variation begins with a dramatic pedal solo before quoting both themes. The second variation is a lyric setting based on the Nielsen melody. The third is a jubilant hornpipe on Angel Band. The fourth is an aria on a transformation of the Nielsen melody. The fifth is a gigue-toccata on Angel Band. The sixth is an atmospheric contemplation: lush chords in the manuals move slowly and hint at Angel Band while the Nielsen melody is heard for the first time in its complete original form on a high pedal stop. The seventh and final variation begins with a brief evocation of the harmonies of the late Daniel Pinkham (a mentor to both Heinrich and me) before going on to return dramatically and jubilantly to the opening music, bringing together both themes again in a bold conclusion. Instrumentation: Organ Duration: 15' Composed: 2017 Published by: Zimbel Press.

SKU: CA.4083205

ISBN 9790007109233. Key: F major. Language: Latin.

In addition to the Requiem, the Missa Dalmatica, which was first composed in 1835 and revised in 1876, offers further proof of the remarkable sacred music composed by the famous composer of operettas, Franz von Suppe. He dedicated the Mass to his Dalmatian homeland. In this Mass for three-voiced men's choir and organ, which in his unmistakable personal style combined the most varied influences of the tradition of church music, Italian and German opera, as well as the folk idioms of Vienna and Dalmatia, Suppe created an attractive and unique work which has earned a special place in the history of 19th century church music. Score available separately - see item CA.4083200.