Triptychon “Mariä Himmelfahrt” (2009)

Andreas Willscher (b. 1955) — Triptychon “Mariä Himmelfahrt” (2009) for organ

[The Feast of the Assumption of Mary]

1. Alleluia
2. Toccata sub Communione
3. Toccatina

Triptychon “Mariä Himmelfahrt” (2009) consists of three movements inspired by the Feast of the Assumption of Mary (usually celebrated on August 15). The festive opening “Alleluia” is in a rondo form: the main refrain returns three times, with two intervening episodes. It is based on the “Alleuia: Assumpta est” plainchant. The second movement “Toccata sub Communione” is in the manner of a “elevation toccata” (music of a quiet, mystical character inspired by the elevation of the mass). It is based on the plainchant “Optimam partem elegit,” appointed for the feast. (“Mary has chosen for herself the best part, which shall never be taken from her.”) The final “Toccatina” is based upon the introit for the day: “Gaudeamus omnes in Domino.” (“Let us all rejoice in the Lord.”)

German composer and organist Andreas Willscher (b. 1955) studied composition, theory, and organ in his native Hamburg. In 1971 he was appointed organist of the St. Francis Church in Hamburg and in 2000 at the church of St. Joseph-Wandsbek. In addition, he has been keyboardist for several jazz and rock ensembles. Willscher has received many awards and commissions for his compositions, which range widely in form: from symphonic music and oratorios to cabaret and rock scores. His organ works are very diverse, ranging from large-scale post-tonal pieces to many which blend elements of the traditional repertoire with contemporary jazz and pop influences. In addition to his own composition and performing activities, Willscher has published a number of literary and scientific articles in journals and encyclopedias and has been very active in collecting and preserving lost and forgotten music from earlier eras.