Sarabande (in modum benedictionem)

Carson Cooman recently gave me the opportunity of "premiering" his new "Sarabande (in modum benedictionem).
The phrase "hot off the presses" is an old and over-used one, but this one really is STILL hot, as it was completed only 4 days ago on November 20th!

As I looked at the score, my first and even immediate thought was "orchestral brass" for the left hand chords, and you'll hear the Clarinet of the Solo organ doing the duty in these passages.

The phrase, "in modum benedictionem" means "in the manner of a blessing," so, at this season of thanksgiving and blessing, it seems particularly appropriate to have an opportunity to hear this.

Carson has successfully combined elements of the ancient and the new in the "traditional" sarabande form. There are many beautiful and subtle harmonic moments, and the whole thing gave me the feeling of moving in a slow circle.

I had intended to only play this piece on the Salisbury Willis, but as I was playing it, I thought that I might just as well do it on the Hereford one as well! ;-)

I used the same "formula" in my approach to the registration, but the outcomes while similar, are different.

The piece is dedicated to Ross Wood, who I believe is Assistant Organist of the Church of the Advent in Boston.

THANKS, Carson, for giving me the chance to perform your newest work.