Kontrapunkt

The Prelude and Fugue in E flat major is probably Bach’s most sonorously magnificent organ work, and one of the few that he published himself. Bach pulls out all the stops of his compositional skill, from a festive overture to elaborate fugal passages to a three-part fugue that becomes progressively more dance-like.

Olivier Messiaen was the organist at Trinité in Paris for more than 60 years. The Apparition of the Eternal Church explores the sonic possibilities of the symphonic cathedral organ in a wide range of gentle, recurring motifs. Edwin Lemare is one of the most celebrated organists of all time. Among his specialties were his own transcriptions of orchestral works and opera scenes. Today’s program concludes with three of his most famous arrangements: Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar and Evening Star and Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner.