Ancient Music, Modern Ears

This recording is a bit of fun and experimentation with an early version of the Schlicker Gallery Organ at FCCLA (c. 1969), currently under development for Hauptwerk. At present, portions of the Great, Swell, and Pedal divisions have been sampled, offering an intriguing glimpse into the sound world of one of America's notable Orgelbewegung instruments.

Designed by Schlicker during the height of the American Organ Reform Movement, the instrument reflects an effort to recover the clarity, articulation, and tonal ideals associated with earlier European organs while filtering them through a distinctly mid-twentieth-century American perspective.

To explore the colors presently available, I selected three old masters: John of Lublin, J.P. Sweelinck, and J.C.F. Fischer.

The performances should be viewed primarily as demonstrations of the instrument's developing tonal palette rather than as definitive examples of historical performance practice. While I have incorporated some period-inspired ideas regarding tempo relationships, ornamentation, articulation, and registration, specialists will undoubtedly recognize liberties taken along the way.

In the John of Lublin dance, I experimented with changing registrations to emphasize sectional architecture and to suggest the contrasting sonorities of Renaissance instrumental consorts. Sweelinck's bicinium is presented in a more reflective spirit, with contrasting colors assigned to the moving voice and cantus firmus. Fischer's Prelude and Fugue receives a somewhat broader, more North German treatment than the composer's southern German origins and studies with Lully might strictly warrant.

Purists may find some of these choices questionable—or perhaps even scandalous—but they do reveal a surprising range of sounds from the divisions sampled thus far. Consider this a friendly exploration of a fascinating instrument still in progress, and feel free to share thoughts about historically informed alternatives for future recordings.