Nearly two weeks ago, Carol Langner sent out a press release announcing the appointment of Mark Wong as the next organist of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. She sent me a courtesy copy which included Mark’s biographical details, but also mentioned that Mark was the successor to my 35-year tenure. Well, this is how reporter… Read More Overshadowed
After that last post about getting discombobulated over the page turns in Bach’s Great Eighteen Chorales, some people suggested that I just memorize the music. Dear People, do you know that it is going to take two concerts to play all of this music? That is because I think it would just be too much… Read More Memorization
During Lent, many people give up small luxuries such as chocolate or desserts as a form of penitence. The 40 days before Easter are supposed to be spent in prayer or fasting. Well, I have my own way of penitence — getting up every morning to practice the organ, specifically the Great Eighteen Chorales (also… Read More Lenten discipline
As you may recall from a previous post, I am practicing and being totally consumed by the Great Eighteen chorales of Bach, BWV 651-668. It was my need to “get myself a project” now that I am down to three jobs (from four, formerly). It’s been about a month now, and I have decided… Read More The teacher as student
You probably remember from a previous post that I’m focused on Bach right now. I am trying to learn the complete Great Eighteen chorales, also called the Leipzig Chorales (even though some scholars speculate some of the pieces may have been written when Bach was in Weimar.) And whenever I’m learning a new piece, I… Read More Earworm Bach
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