In Pastor Jeff’s message in the April issue of The Heart Beat, LCH’s monthly parish newsletter, he described the services of the Triduum, the “Three Days” celebrated by Christians all over the world in anticipation of Easter. That means we’ll be singing services on Maundy Thursday (April 5th), Good Friday (April 6th) and Easter Vigil… Read More Holy Week Math: 3+1 = 5
Over the past few days I’ve been extensively interviewed by the local Star-Advertiser on how Lutherans celebrate Holy Week. (Look for the article in this Saturday’s paper.) I guess last year they interviewed the Catholics and this year they decided to do Lutherans. Even though I am merely the organist (and do a few other things… Read More Palm Sunday 2012, old and new
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