Vier kurze Orgelstücke (Four Short Organ Pieces) (1997)

Ferdinand Bruckmann (b. 1930) — Vier kurze Orgelstücke (Four Short Organ Pieces) (1997) for organ

1) Berceuse triste
2) Möglichkeiten des E
3) Die Ankunft Gottes im Nirwana
4) Bicinium

“Vier kurze Orgelstücke” (Four Short Organ Pieces) (1997) are described by the composer as follows: “I have tried in these four pieces to pare the music down to its absolute essence in making the clearest possible statement. ‘Berceuse triste’ is atmospheric music for the softest organ registers. ‘Möglichkeiten des E’ (Possibilities of E) is a series of classical harmonizations of a single bass note E, like a harmony textbook. The title of the third movement, ‘Die Ankunft Gottes im Nirwana” (The Entrance of God into Nirvana) may sound sensational: it is not a joke or gag, however. Those who are theologically savvy—or those who wish to be—can read in Nicholas of Cusa or Ken Wilber about connections between the mystics of the West and the Zen masters of the East. The set ends with a simple canonic piece: ‘Bicinium.’”

German composer Ferdinand Bruckmann (b. 1930) was born in Mülheim (Ruhr). He was educated at the Musikhochschule in Cologne where in addition to studies in piano and clarinet, he studied composition with Swiss composer Frank Martin. From 1964–68 he was professor of piano at the Music Academy of Osaka (Japan) and in 1968 was appointed to the Osaka School of the Arts. Upon his return to Germany in the early 70s, Bruckmann held teaching positions at the University of Duisburg and the City Music School of Krefeld. In addition to his work as a composer, Bruckmann has been active as a concert pianist, performing as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist throughout Europe and Asia. He has composed music in all forms, including solo and chamber music, vocal music, and orchestra works (including four piano concerti).

Published by Edition Dohr