I just read a fascinating article called “Bach’s Incredible Feet,” which was published on Bach’s birthday, a few days ago. Non-organists find it amazing that we play with both feet, and compared to playing the harp, timpani and piano, which use the feet in a secondary role, our feet become extensions of our hands. Organists… Read More Organists’ feet and shoes
After playing the works of Bach the last few weeks, this week it will be romantic music. On Sunday I’ll be playing two chorale preludes from Johannes Brahms’ op. 122, “O wie selig Seid ihr Doch, ihr Frommen” for the prelude and “Herzlich tut verlangen” during communion. The choir will sing Brahms, too, for communion,… Read More Brahms and Bruckner
and we’ll be celebrating by performing lots of Bach at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu this Holy Week and Easter. There are certain pieces that I play every year, and that includes works by the birthday boy, 327 years young today. On Maundy Thursday, I always play “O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig” (O Lamb of God… Read More It’s Bach’s birthday
There’s been a blog post about the organ that has been recently shared among those in the pipe organ community, and is well worth the lengthy read. I’m confident it would be interesting to readers of this blog so you can read the article in its entirety by clicking here. The author debunks the popular notion… Read More Bring back the organ
A picture is worth a thousand words! so I am displaying the following photos taken by Dave Miyamoto & Co. Photography at last Saturday night’s fundraiser for the Oahu Choral Society, honoring Carl Crosier. Copies of the photos are available for purchase by contacting Nada Marriott, with proceeds benefitting Oahu Choral Society. As with all… Read More Vivace! photo album
Word was received yesterday, that Jeane Turnell passed away peacefully, at the age of 94. Chances are, you didn’t know Jeane — but she was for more than twenty years, the nice lady who answered the phone when you called Ionian Arts. The music publishing company was founded in 1986 by the Crosiers and composer… Read More The voice of Ionian Arts
Ever since the Lutheran Church of Honolulu was remodeled extensively in the early 70s, it has been associated with early music, like ham and eggs or peanut butter and jelly. That is because of the church’s intimate, yet ambiant acoustics, are ideal for chamber instrumental and vocal ensembles. This Saturday, March 17th at 7:30 pm,… Read More Ciaramella at LCH
You’ll never guess who my newest organ student is. Why, it’s Pastor Jeff Lilley who approached me about lessons a few weeks ago! Like my other students, from age four to eighty-four, I’ve started him with Discover the Basics, a series by Wayne Leupold, a comprehensive method of teaching music reading, rhythm, theory, technique and even… Read More It’s never too late to learn
Last night was the Vivace! fundraiser for the Oahu Choral Society, a night in which the musical accomplishments of Carl Crosier were honored and celebrated. Held at the Honolulu International Club, the theme was Monte Carlo — and it was fun to see everyone dress up! My biggest concerns for the night were: 1) Finding a… Read More Carl Crosier’s Night
The buzz this whole week has been about the emotional homecoming the symphony musicians received at the inaugural concerts of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra. There have been numerous articles and reviews in the newspaper, radio and television, and I have provided links for you to re-read them here: HawaiiNewsNow: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra prepares for inaugural… Read More The symphony is back!