1928 Skinner; 2008 Schantz organ at Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

At Rockefeller Chapel

Performances from inaugural season concerts featuring the University of Chicago’s recently renovated 1928 Skinner organ.

Program Broadcast dates:

• Week of September 14, 2009

Featured Organ:

• (1928 Skinner; 2008 Schantz/Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL)

Links and Resources:

• In conversation with Michael Barone, Schantz Organ Company tonal director Jeffrey Dexter speaks to the challenges of ‘restoring’ a major instrument by iconic American builder Ernest M. Skinner: What does one call...
• Jeffrey Dexter describes the visual experience of the interior of Rockefeller Chapel and the placement of the pipe organ’s various elements: Walk us into the chapel...
• Barone talks with Dexter about activities at the Schantz factory in Orville, Ohio: How many instruments...
• Two new scores were commissioned for the Skinner Organ’s inaugural concert at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on June 7, 2008. Listen to them online:
• A Song for Saint Cecilia's Day WILLIAM BOLCOM (b. 1938) (text by John Dryden) –Thomas Weisflog, organist; Rockefeller Chapel Choir and Motet Choir, James Kallembach, conductor
• Hymn of the Universe MARTA PTASZYNSKA (b. 1943) (text by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin) –Thomas Weisflog, organist; University Singers, James Kallembach, conductor
• Printable program listings

Music played in the program

Hour 1

WILLIAM HARRIS: Coronation Fanfare. SIR HUBERT PARRY: Coronation Anthem, I was glad –University of Chicago Choirs, James Kallembach, conductor; Thomas Weisflog, organist (recorded June 7, 2008)

J. S. BACH: Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist, BWV 667; Christ, unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 684. OLIVIER MESSIAEN: The gifts of the spirit and Sortie, from Messe de la Pentecote. –Gillian Weir (recorded October 2, 2008)

SAMUEL BARBER: Adagio for Strings –Thomas Murray (recorded October 19, 2008)

LEO SOWERBY: Passacaglia, fr Symphony in G –Thomas Weisflog (recorded October 6, 2008)

Filler - COUPERIN: Recit de tierce en taille, from Messe pour les Couvents –Gillian Weir (recorded October 2, 2008)

Hour 2

GEORGIE MUSHEL: Toccata (1947). JEAN LANGLAIS: Variations on a theme of Frescobaldi. SERGI SLONIMSKY: Toccata (1961) –Gillian Weir (recorded October 2, 2008)

WOLFGANG RÜBSAM: 4 Hymn-Improvisations (The Risen Christ; Eternal Spirig of the Living Christ; Soul, adorn thyself; Thine the Amen) –Wolfgang Rübsam (recorded March 12, 2009)

SIR EDWARD ELGAR: Organ Sonata No. 1 in G, Op. 28 (Andante espressivo [iii] and Presto [iv]) – Thomas Murray (recorded October 19, 2008)

LEO SOWERBY: Prelude on Deus tuorum militum –Thomas Weisflog (recorded October 6, 2008)

FRANK BRIDGE: Adagio in E –Thomas Murray (recorded October 19, 2008)

Filler - SOWERBY Passacaglia (see above)

 

During the 1960s, an attempt was made to downplay the orchestral character of Mr. Skinners Opus 634 and give it an unnatural ‘Baroque’ voice. After years of planning, and the retrieval of many ranks of pipes that had been ‘de-accessioned’, the Schantz Organ Company has reaffirmed the Rockefeller Chapel organ’s original character, with additions. Jeffrey Dexter, Schantz tonal director, provides commentary.