University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble and the at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, MN.

Special bells made from old oxygen tanks for the Lou Harrison concerto.

Special drums constructed with plywood for the Harrison concerto.

Michael Barone talks with organist John Walker about the Harrison concerto.

Michael Barone introduces the audience to some of the particular sonic content of the Casavant-Schantz organ, with musical examples played by resident organist Bill Chouinard.
Listen to the demo.

A Sonic Blockbuster

…in which we blend a huge romantic pipe organ into a full symphonic wind and percussion ensemble, with clearly audible results!

Program Broadcast dates:

• Week of April 20, 2009

Links and Resources:

• Listen as Michael Barone introduces the audience to some of the particular sonic content of the Casavant-Schantz organ, with musical examples played by resident organist Bill Chouinard.
• Printable program listings

Music played in the program

Hour 1

ALFRED REED: Alleluia, Laudamus Te! –University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor; Bill Chouinard, organ.

RICHARD PROULX: Seven Variations on Joys Seven –Bill Chouinard (recorded 1/26/06)

PERCY GRAINGER: The Power of Rome and the Christian Heart –U. of Minn. Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor; Bill Chouinard, organ.

MAX REGER: Toccata in d and Fugue in D, Op. 59, nos. 5 & 6 –Dean Billmeyer, organ.

RON NELSON: Pebble Beach Sojourn –U. of Minn. Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor; Bill Chouinard, organ.

Filler - REED (see above)

Hour 2

HEALEY WILLAN: Chorale-prelude, Lord of all hopefulness–Bill Chouinard (recorded 1/26/06)

LOU HARRISON: Concerto for Organ and Percussion Orchestra –U. of Minn. Percussion Ensemble, Fernando Meza, conductor ; John Walker, organ.

HERBERT NANNEY: Andante, from Organ Sonata –John Walker, organ.

DAVID MASLANKA: Finale, from Symphony No. 4 –U. of Minn. Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor; John Salveson, organ.

Filler - NELSON (see above)

 

The University of Minnesota Wind and Percussion Ensembles (led by Craig Kirchhoff and Fernando Meza, respectively) performed in concert on October 24, 2008 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN. featuring the versatile as part of the International Year of the Organ, sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Additional works by Proulx and Willan were recorded January 26, 2006.

 

Some of this repertoire (Reed, Grainger, Nelson) is available in performances by the Dallas Wind Symphony (Reference Recordings RR-58). Also, several recordings of the are available, featuring performances by Bill Chouinard, (Pro Organo 7184), Thomas Heywood (Pro Organo 7183), and Martin Jean (Gothic 49257).