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: SU.80101467

Variations on a Theme of Haydn (2017) was written for organist Christoph Hintermuller who asked for a work based on the national anthem of Germany. The anthem's tune was written in 1797 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). (In English-speaking countries, Haydn's tune is sung as the hymn AUSTRIAN HYMN, usually with John Newton's text Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.) The music consists of five contrasting variations plus a recapitulation of the opening variation. The first variation is broad and festive; the second variation is pastoral in character; the third has a scherzando character; the fourth is marked hypnotic and atmospheric; and the fifth is a quasi-musette. The first variation returns as a finale before a brief coda. Instrumentation: Organ Duration: 8' Composed: 2017 Published by: Zimbel Press.

SKU: SU.80101421

Sonatina No. 2 (2013) is dedicated to Robert Behrman. The opening toccata consists of bouncy and vibrant music surrounding a lyric chorale. The title of the second movement, Sharagan, refers to a style of monodic hymn in the Armenian Orthodox Church. The third movement is a gigue indebted to Buxtehude, though with a contemporary harmonic flavor. Sonatina No. 3 (2014) is dedicated to Johan-Magnus Sjoberg. The opening movement is an ostinato (quasi-passacaglia) with a heavily syncopated theme. The second movement, Dirge, is quiet and expressive, with a rising scalar figure in the bass that increases in speed. The final movement is a dancing toccatina with a bit of a scherzando character. (Both of these sonatinas can be played with manuals only. Optional pedal suggestions are provided in a few places.) Instrumentation: Organ Duration: 14'30 Composed: 2013-14 Published by: Zimbel Press.

SKU: MN.10-927

Cityscape dates from 1992 and was composed for inclusion in an organ recital of Chicago composers as part of the Fourth Presbyterian Church's annual Festival of the Arts. The theme of that year's festival was Faces of the City. This three movement work, which depicts facets of the city, is based on a three-note descending scale (C-B-A), the opening notes of the popular song, Chicago, Chicago, that Toddlin' Town. Coincidentally, this same melodic sequence marks the beginning of OLD HUNDREDTH, and a citation of that melody occurs in the third movement. The Fourth Presbyterian Church is located on the part of North Michigan Avenue which is known as The Magnificent Mile. Each of its Sunday morning services begins with the singing of OLD HUNDREDTH, sung to the text of the Doxology. The first performance of Cityscape was played by David Schrader, to whom it is dedicated.