The Art of Hymn Playing
Annual Conference for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians
Louisville, KY [moved online due to coronavirus pandemic]
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Learn from veteran organists John Ferguson, David Cherwien, and Stuart Forster about the fine art of playing hymns so that your congregation will be inspired to join with full voice and heart. We will start with methods of considering a particular hymn before even playing it, and then move on to effective tools for achieving vibrant hymn playing. Techniques will be demonstrated.
Organist, Closing Eucharist
Annual Conference for the Association of Anglican Musicians
Church of the Redeemer, 379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Thursday, July 4, 2019
The annual conference ends with a Eucharist for all attendees in the splendor of Henry Vaughan’s beautiful building with a stunning Schoenstein organ. The Redeemer Choir will sing, conducted by Michael Murray.
“Largo” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), trans. Stuart Forster
Missa Sine Nomine — Peter Jewkes (b. 1956)
Lord, thou hast been our refuge — Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
Pascha nostrum — Michael Murray (b. 1974)
Set me as a seal — Stuart Forster (b. 1971)
Improvisation on “America the beautiful” — Michael Murray (b. 1974)
Hymns, psalms, improvisation
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists, Central North Carolina Chapter
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth St., Raleigh, NC 27606
Friday, May 2, 2020 [postponed due to coronavirus quarantine restrictions]
This workshop will discuss techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and fixing problems. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable. The workshop will adapt to the abilities and experiences of those who attend, so there will be ideas spanning a wide range of standard repertoire and situations. Dr. Forster will work with several players to demonstrate a palette of effective approaches.
January Jubilee, American Guild of Organists, Worcester Chapter.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
First Baptist Church, 11 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01609
9:30 a.m. Hymn playing basics: getting started
This workshop will discuss the first steps of learning to play hymns well, from learning the hymns yourself, which stops to use or avoid, giving the congregation confidence in your leadership, preparation strategies, how to introduce each hymn, priorities when things go wrong, and setting a tempo.
10:45 a.m. Hymn playing beyond the basics: what’s next
Once you are confident in playing the notes, what else can you do to enliven the congregation’s singing? This workshop will discuss variations in accompaniment, interesting registrations to draw attention to the text, working with the resources available (instruments, choir, clergy, acoustics), metrical tunes and chant, and teaching new hymnody.
Dedication of the new Schoenstein organ
Church of the Redeemer, 379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Friday, October 19, 2018: Fancies and Bonbons
Performing: Choristers & Choir of the Church of the Redeemer; Stuart Forster & Michael S. Murray, Organ; Keisuke Wakao, Oboe; Hailey Fuqua, Soprano
Details: A concert of the ‘greatest hits’ of the Anglican choral tradition, and fun organ and instrumental music. This is the first in a series of four dedication events to celebrate the new Schoenstein Organ. Festive reception follows.
Works by Parry, Bach, Beethoven, Balfour Gardiner, Bourgeois, Sullivan, Handel.
A service of Choral Evensong will include the Redeemer choirs directed by Michael S. Murray and accompanied by Stuart Forster at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2018. Music by Shaw, Stainer, and Parry. Video footage of the music will be featured on the Audio/video page of this website.
St. Michael’s Church
26 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA
Sunday, March 19, 2017, at 5:00 p.m.
Praeludium in g minor, BuxWV 148 — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde groß, BWV 622 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Praeludium und Fuga in e minor, BWV 548 “The Wedge” — Bach
Largo from Xerxes — George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Scherzo in g minor — Marco Enrico Bossi (1861–1925)
Cantilène from Trois pièces pour orgue — Gabriel Pierné (1863–1937)
Tuba Tune — Christopher Luke (b. 1972)
Aria — Flor Peeters (1903–1986)
Triumphal March — Jacques Nicholas Lemmens (1823–1881)
Wednesday Evening Organ Recital Series
Methuen Memorial Music Hall
192 Broadway (Route 28), Methuen, MA
Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at 8:00 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 in C# minor (1886) — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
Two chorale preludes:
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654, from The Leipzig Manuscript (pub. 1749) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
“Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 (1811–1812) — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1833), arr. Stuart Forster (2004)
Marche Héroïque (1915) — A. Herbert Brewer (1865–1928)
Intermission
The English Cathedral:
“Master Tallis’s Testament” from Six Pieces for Organ (1940) — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Choral Song and Fugue (c. 1832, pub. 1842) — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
The Lost Chord (1877) — Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
Serenade, op. 22 (1965) — Derek Bourgeois (b. 1941)
Two new pieces for Advent — Stuart Forster (b. 1971)
Meditation on Veni Emmanuel (2015)
Toccata on Helmsley (2015)
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists, New Haven Chapter
Christ Church (Episcopal), 84 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
This workshop will discuss techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and fixing problems. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable. The workshop will adapt to the abilities and experiences of those who attend, so there will be ideas spanning a wide range of standard repertoire and situations.
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists Jubilee Celebration, Portland Chapter
First Parish Congregational Church UCC
301 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. (Jubilee starts at 9:00 a.m.)
This workshop will discuss techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and fixing problems. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable. The workshop will adapt to the abilities and experiences of those who attend, so there will be ideas spanning a wide range of standard repertoire and situations.
Pipes on the Plaza: organ concert series
The First Church, of Christ, Scientist “The Mother Church”
210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 12:15 p.m.
“Largo” and “Finale” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), trans. Stuart Forster
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists, Nashville Chapter
Vine Street Christian Church
4101 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
Monday, February 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. (following dinner at 6:30 p.m.)
This workshop will discuss techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and fixing problems. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable. The workshop will adapt to the abilities and experiences of those who attend, so there will be ideas spanning a wide range of standard repertoire and situations.
A Festival of Christmas Lessons & Carols
The Choir of Trinity Episcopal Church, Princeton, NJ
with brass octet, percussion, and organ
Tom Whittemore, director
Stuart Forster, guest conductor
Princeton University Chapel
Sunday, December 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
A procession with carols for choir and congregation. Stuart Forster will conduct the hymns in arrangements by Sir David Willcocks, as well as Stuart Forster’s arrangements of God rest you merry, gentlemen and Angels we have heard on high (première); plus, for the postlude, Samuel Metzger’s arrangement of the Toccata from Joseph Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. This service will be broadcast on WWFM-FM on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016.
Choir Concert: The Evensong Choir from Christ Church, Cambridge, MA
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris [part of the 2015 choir tour to France and England]
Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Stuart Forster, conductor; Michael Murray, organist
Ave Maria — Robert Parsons
O taste and see — Stuart Forster
Missa Bell’ Amfitrit’ Altera — Orlande de Lassus
Rise up, my love — Healey Willan
Haec dies — William Byrd
Improvised organ versets — Michael Murray
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists, Worcester Chapter
Trinity Lutheran Church
73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Forster will review approaches to hymn playing, and then highlight vital aspects encompassing the art of hymn playing. To equip the organist with a palette of tools for every occasion, his discussion considers topics: techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, introductions, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, registration choices, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and altered harmonizations to complement the hymn texts and fit the context of the service. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable.
Hymn-playing Workshop
American Guild of Organists, Merrimack Valley Chapter Jubilee
First Calvary Baptist Church
586 Massachusetts Avenue, North Andover, MA 01845
Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
This workshop will discuss techniques for learning hymns, teaching hymns, playing hymns, selecting hymns, engaging the choir, empowering the congregation, making the most of the organ, working with other instruments, collaborating with clergy, effective preparation, and fixing problems. We will explore the balance between predictability and creativity to enliven congregational song in ways that are thoughtful, musical, and sustainable. The workshop will adapt to the abilities and experiences of those who attend, so there will be ideas spanning a wide range of standard repertoire and situations.
Evensong Choir Concert and Dinner before the London/Paris Tour
Christ Church, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Friday, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Stuart Forster, director; Michael Murray, tour organist
The Christ Church Cambridge Evensong Choir will present a concert featuring some of the music we will be taking on tour in April. The tour will include singing mass at Notre Dame and St. Eustache in Paris, then traveling to London to sing Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. After the concert, we will offer dinner and door prizes before drawing the winner of the raffled trip to Paris!
Ave Maria — Robert Parsons
Missa Bell’ Amfitrit’ Altera — Orlande de Lassus
Haec dies — William Byrd
Choral — Joseph Jongen
Rise up, my love — Healey Willan
O taste and see — Stuart Forster
Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells
Magnificat (Collegium Regale) — Herbert Howells
Organ recital at Memorial Church, Harvard University
The Skinner Organ in Appleton Chapel
One Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
“Harmonies du soir” from Trois Impressions — Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
Two chorale preludes:
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
The English Cathedral:
Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
A Suite of favorite movements:
“Allegro vivace” from Première Symphonie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
“Communion” from Triptyque — Louis Vierne
Final from Troisième Symphonie — Louis Vierne
Hymn Playing Masterclass
Memorial Church, Harvard University
One Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138
Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.
Members of the Harvard Organ Society will play
Consecration of Alan Gates as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA (Boston University)
Saturday, September 13, 2014: preludes and processions begin at 10:30 a.m.
Stuart Forster will be the Director of Music and Organist for this event in the 8000-seat arena. He is working with the Transition Committee to recruit ensembles and a massed choir of 640 singers, to develop a substantive music program for the occasion, composing parts for brass and percussion, conducting the Christ Church Cambridge choirs, and playing the organ.
The 2014 Schoenstein Competition in Hymn Playing, Final Round
Christ Church, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.
Stuart Forster is organizing and hosting this competition, sponsored by Schoenstein & Co., Organ Builders of San Francisco, as part of the launch of Hymn Playing: A Modern Colloquium, published by MorningStar Music Publishers. For information about the book, please click the HYMN PLAYING link above. For information about the competition, please visit www.hymnplayingcompetition.org
The general public is invited to be part of the singing congregation in the final round.
Teaching at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Monday, April 7 through Friday, April 11, 2014
Stuart Forster will be teaching Sacred Music, Studio Class, Hymnology, Sacred Music Practicum, and private organ lessons for organ majors
Organ Recital at Saint John’s Cathedral
1350 Washington Street, Denver, CO
Friday, April 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
“Largo” and “Finale” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), trans. Stuart Forster
– INTERMISSION –
“Harmonies du soir” from Trois Impressions — Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
“Allegro vivace” and “Final” from Première Symphonie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
Organ Recital at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
Amsterdam Avenue at 110th Street, New York, NY
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
“Harmonies du soir” from Trois Impressions — Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
“Cantabile” from Sixième Symphonie — Charles Marie Widor (1844–1937)
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), trans. Stuart Forster
ii) Largo
iv) Finale
Organ Recital at Christ Church St. Laurence
812 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
Magnificat Primi Toni, BuxWV 203 — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
Scherzo in G minor — Marco Enrico Bossi (1861–1925)
Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
“Allegro vivace” and “Final” from Première Symphonie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
Hymn Playing and Organ Accompaniment Masterclass
Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW
Friday, March 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Students of Philip Swanton will play
Hymn Playing Workshop with the Organ Music Society of Sydney
Shore: Sydney Church of England Grammar School
Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Dinner, a hymn festival, and a talk
Organ Recital at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
“Allegro appassionato” from Sonata No. 1 — Basil Harwood (1859–1949)
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
“Harmonies du soir” from Trois Impressions — Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
“Final” from Première Symphonie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
Hymn Playing Masterclass
Memorial Church, Harvard University
One Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 5:10 p.m.
Students of Christian Lane will play
Hymn Playing Masterclass and Evensong
Christ Church Cathedral
45 Church Street, Hartford, CT
Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
A session on hymn playing, with three organists, will be followed by a hymn-based Evensong, featuring choirs from the Diocese of Connecticut and hymn arrangements by Stuart Forster
Christmas with the Copley Singers
Brian Jones, conductor; Stuart Forster, organist
St. Mary & St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
55 Warren Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
AND
St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church
18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Organ Recital at Thompson Congregational Church, UCC
347 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277
Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
Marche Triomphale — Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (1823–1881)
Hymn: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
Præludium und Fuga in G, BWV 541 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
The Lost Chord — Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
Hymn: Lift high the cross
Suite Gothique — Léon Boëllmann (1862–1897)
“Cantabile” from Sixième Symphonie — Charles Marie Widor (1844–1937)
War March of the Priests — Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847)
Christmas Concert with The Copley Singers
Brian Jones, director; Stuart Forster, organist & pianist
St. Mary & St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
55 Warren Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.
AND
St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church
18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
(followed by CD launch)
AND
Dedham Country & Polo Club
124 Country Club Road, Dedham, MA 02026
Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.
O Come All Ye Faithful — J. F. Wade, descants by Robinson & Middleton
I Wonder As I Wander — Appalachian, arr. Pilkington
I Wonder As I Wander — Carl Rütti
Need A Little Christmas — from Mame, arr. Rubino
Have Yourself A Merry Christmas — Martin & Blaine, arr. Mansfield
We Three Kings — Traditional, arr. Pilkington
Away In A Manger — James Murray, arr. Clarkson
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear — Willis, Sullivan, arr. Wilberg
Long, Long Ago — Herbert Howells
Jingle Bells — J . Pierpont, arr. Allwood
Christmas Night — 16th Century French, arr. Rutter
The Holly & the Ivy — June Nixon
O Little Town of Bethlehem — Barnby, Vaughan Williams, Davies, Jones, Redner
The Twelve Days of Christmas — Traditional, arr. Rutter
Pre-Evensong Recital
Church of the Advent
30 Brimmer Street, Boston, MA
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
Rhapsody No. 1 in D-flat — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Psalm-prelude no. 1 from Set 1 (Psalm 34:6) — Howells
Master Tallis’s Testament — Howells
Rhapsody No. 3 in C# minor — Howells
[followed by an all-Howells Evensong sung by the Choir of the Church of the Advent — Mark Dwyer, director]
250th Anniversary Concert (Stuart Forster, conductor)
Christ Church
Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
The Creation — Franz Josef Haydn (1732–1809)
The Christ Church Adult Choir
David Briggs, organist
Teresa Wakim, soprano
Alex Nishibun, tenor
Darian Worrell, bass
Rededicatory Organ Recital at Thompson Congregational Church, UCC
347 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277
Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Gulimant (1837–1911)
Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
O God, our help in ages past (St. Anne)
“St. Anne” Fugue in E-flat, BWV 552b — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
Serenade — Derek Bourgeois (b. 1941)
Hymn: All creatures of our God and King (Lasst uns erfreuen)
Marche Héroïque — A. Herbert Brewer (1865–1928)
Evensong Choir Pre-International Tour Concert (Stuart Forster, Director of Music and Organist)
Christ Church, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Friday, May 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Michael Murray, guest accompanist
“Coronation” Gloria — Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
Festal Communion Service in B-flat: Sanctus and Benedictus — Stanford
March upon Handel’s “Lift up your heads” — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
Strengthen ye the weak hands — William Harris (1883–1973)
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in G — Stanford
Sing joyfully — William Byrd (1543–1623)
Annunciation Carol — Robert Lehman (b. 1960)
Gloucester Service “Magnificat” — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
God is gone up — Gerald Finzi (1901–1956)
Alastair Cassels-Brown Memorial Concert
Episcopal Divinity School
99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
1. Præludium in g (BuxWV 149) — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
2. Freu dich sehr o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
3. Schmücke dich o liebe Seele (BWV 654) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
4. Præludium und Fuga in D (BWV 532) — Bach
– INTERMISSION
1. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
2. “Communion” from Triptyque — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
3. “Allegro vivace” from Symphonie I — Vierne
4. “Toccata” from Plymouth Suite — Percy Whitlock (1903–1946)
Region I/Region II Convention of the Association of Anglican Musicians: “American Sarum”
Christ Church
17 Sagamore Road, Bronxville, NY
Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 5:45 p.m., following Evensong at 5:00 p.m.
“Liturgical music for the organ”
1. Magnificat primi toni, BuxWV 203 — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
2. Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
3. Psalm-prelude No.1 from Set 1, Op. 32 (Psalm 34:6) — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
4. Serenade, Op. 22 — Derek Bourgeois (b. 1941)
5. Variations sur un vieux Noël — Pierre Cochereau (1924–1984), trans. Jeremy Filsell
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, October 22, 2010 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Marche Héroïque — A. Herbert Brewer (1865–1928)
2. Rhapsody No. 1 in D-flat — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
3. “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations — Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
4. from Symphonie I — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
v. Allegro vivace
vi. Final
Haiti Fundraiser Concert (Stuart Forster, Director of Music and Organist)
Christ Church
Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
The Christ Church Cambridge Adult Choir
Verleih’ uns Frieden — Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847)
Prayer for Peace — Joseph Fear (b. 1980)
Air on a G-string — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), arr. James Tanner (b. 1955)
In Paradisum — Charles Callahan (b. 1951)
Requiem — Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, November 13, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
1. “Introduction et Allegro” from Sonata No. 1 in D minor — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
2. Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (BWV 654) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
3. Tuba Tune — Reginald Porter-Brown (1910–1982)
4. “Cantilène” from Trois Pièces pour Orgue — Gabriel Pierné (1863–1937)
5. “Finale” from Symphonie VI — Charles Marie Widor (1844–1937)
American Guild of Organists, Region I/II Convention in Boston
Pre-Convention Concert
Christ Church
Zero Garden Street (Harvard Square), Cambridge, MA
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
1. Gothic Toccata — Graeme Koehne (b. 1956)
2. Five Variants of ‘Dives and Lazarus’ — Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), transcribed by Stuart Forster
3. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1718–1780)
4. “Adagio — Allegro molto” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Stuart Forster
5. “Master Tallis’s Testament” from Six Pieces for Organ — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
6. “Chant de paix” from Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
7. “Final” from Sixième Symphonie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
Adult Choir Concert (Stuart Forster, Director of Music and Organist)
Christ Church
Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA
Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
“Kyrie” from Messe solenelle — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
“Vidit suum” from Stabat Mater — Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710–1736)
O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde gross — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
The Lamentations of Jeremiah—Part I — Thomas Tallis (1505–1585)
Nulla in mundo pax sincera (RV 630) — Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
Hear my prayer — Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847)
“The Majesty of the Divine Humiliation” from The Crucifixion — John Stainer (1840–1901)
A Lenten Prelude — Charles Callahan (b. 1951)
Christus factus est — Anton Bruckner (1824–1896)
Let God arise — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Tuba Tune — Christopher Luke (b. 1972)
2. “Cantabile” from Symphonie VI — Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
3. “St. Anne” Fugue in E-flat (BWV 552b) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
4. “Harmonies du soir” from Trois Impressions — Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
5. Sortie sur “Venez, Divin Messie” — Pierre Cochereau (1924–1984)
St. Michael’s Church
26 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA
Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
1. Fantasia super Komm, heiliger Geist (BWV 651) — Johann Sebatian Bach (1685–1750)
2. Schmücke dich, o meine Seele (BWV 654) — Johann Sebatian Bach (1685–1750)
3. Præludium in g minor (BuxWV 149) — Dietrich Buxtehude (163–1707)
4. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
5. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
6. Serenade — Derek Bourgeois (b. 1941)
7. “Cantabile” from Symphonie VI — Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
8. Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
Busch-Reisinger Museum: Adolphus-Busch Hall (Harvard University)
29 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA
Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Præludium und Fuga in G major (BWV 541) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
2. O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sunde groß (BWV 622) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
3. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
4. Magnificat Primi Toni (BuxWV 203) — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, October 12, 2007 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Triumphal March — Jacques Nicholas Lemmens (1823–1881)
2. Prière — Joseph Jongen (1873–1953)
3. Scherzo in g minor — Marco Enrico Bossi (1861–1925)
4. Toccata — Gerre Hancock (b. 1934)
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, March 23, 2007 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Præludium in G minor, BuxWV 149 — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
2. Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
3. “Adagio” from Symphonie V — Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
4. “Final” from Sonata No. 1 in D minor — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
The Organ’s Birthday Celebration
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
75 Union Park, Boston, MA
Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.
1. From Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
i) Chant héroïque
ii) Chant de paix
2. “Final” from Symphonie I — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
Inaugural Concert Series for the new Schoenstein Organ
Christ Church
Zero Garden Street (Harvard Square), Cambridge, MA
Friday, February 9, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
1. Choral en la mineur — César Franck (1822–1890)
2. Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Stuart Forster
ii. Largo
iv. Finale
-INTERMISSION-
1. “Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1833), arr. Stuart Forster
2. Sonata No. 1 in D minor — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
i. Introduction et Allegro
ii. Pastorale
iii. Finale
Greatest Hits of the Cambridge Madrigal Singers
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 74 Pleasant Street, Arlington, MA
Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
AND
Lindsey Chapel
Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Remembrance of Sings Past:
Music by Cipriano de Rore, Jocob Arcadelt, Orlando Gibbons, John Taverner, Luca Marenzio, Claudio Monteverdi, David Schneider, Louise Talma, Ildebrando Pizzetti, Norman Dinerstein, Györgi Ligeti, Gerald Finzi, Giselle Wyers, Amy Beach, and featuring
Rejoice in the Lamb — Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
Raymond Fahrner, Musical Director
Stuart Forster, organist
Fridays on the Square
Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Friday, February 3, 2006 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
2. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
3. “Communion” from Triptyque — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
4. Orb and Sceptre — William Walton (1902–1983)
St. Philip’s Cathedral
2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA
Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.
1. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
2. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs 1713–1780)
3. Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
4. “Chant de paix” from Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
5. “Toccata” from Plymouth Suite — Percy Whitlock (1903–1946)
St. Thomas Church
Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street, New York, NY
Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 5:15 p.m.
1. Fantasia super Komm heiliger Geist (BWV 651) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
2. March upon Handel’s “Lift up your heads” — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
3. “Cantabile” from Symphonie VI — Charles Marie Widor (1844–1937)
4. “Chant de paix” from Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
5. Variations sur un vieux Noël (improvisation) — Pierre Cochereau (1924–1984)
First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, NY
400 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY
Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
1. Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
2. Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Stuart Forster
ii. Largo
iv. Finale
-INTERMISSION-
1. Fantasia super Komm heiliger Geist — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
2. Blithe Bells — Percy Grainger (1882–1961) after Bach, arr. Forster
3. A Trumpet Minuet — Alfred Hollins (1865–1942)
4. The Lost Chord — Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
5. “Chant de paix” from Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
6. “Toccata” from Plymouth Suite — Percy Whitlock (1903–1946)
Fridays on the Square
Old South Church, Copley Square, 645 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Friday, May 27, 2005 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Imperial March — Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
2. The Lost Chord — Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
3. A Trumpet Minuet — Alfred Hollins (1865–1942)
4. “Chant de paix” from Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
5. “Finale” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Stuart Forster
Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Route 28, Methuen, MA
The Treble Chorus of New England, Robert Barney, Interim Director
Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Organ Solo: Imperial March — Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
Accompaniments: Messe Basse — Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)
Sound the Trumpet — Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
A Jubilant Song — Marie Stultz (1988)
Iubilate Deo — Heinrich Schütz (1585–1672)
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis — Nicholas White (2000)
Busch-Reisinger Museum: Adolphus-Busch Hall (Harvard University)
29 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA
Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Præludium in g minor (BuxWV 148) — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
2. Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
3. Fantasia super Komm heiliger Geist — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
4. Canzona Quarta — Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643)
5. Præludium in g minor (BuxWV 149) — Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
Fridays on the Square
Old South Church, Copley Square, 645 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Friday, February 25, 2005 at 12:15 p.m.
1. Marche Héroïque — Alfred Herbert Brewer (1865–1928)
2. “Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1833), arr. Stuart Forster
3. Blithe Bells — Percy Grainger (1882–1961) after Bach, arr. Forster
4. “Toccata” from Plymouth Suite — Percy Whitlock (1903–1946)
“The King of Instruments Revisited”
Church of the Redeemer
379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
1. Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
2. “Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1833), arr. Stuart Forster [world première]
3. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
4. Psalm-prelude I (Set No. 1): Psalm 34:6 — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
5. Imperial March — Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
-INTERMISSION-
1. Prelude & Fugue in c minor (BWV 549) — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
2. From Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
i) “Chant de paix”
ii) “Chant héroïque”
3. A Trumpet Minuet — Alfred Hollins (1865–1942)
4. The Lost Chord — Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
5. “Finale” from Symphonie VI — Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
St. Peter’s by~the~Sea Episcopal Church
500 South Country Road, Bay Shore, NY
Sunday, January 23, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
1. Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
2. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
3. From Neuf Pièces pour Orgue — Jean Langlais (1907–1991)
i) “Chant de paix”
ii) “Chant héroïque”
4. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
5. Master Tallis’s Testament — Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
6. “Finale” from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Stuart Forster
Boston’s “First Night” Celebration
Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 10:00 p.m.
1. Grand Chœur en ré majeur (alla Handel) — Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)
2. Fantasia sopra Freu dich sehr o meine Seele — Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713–1780)
3. “Carillon de Westminster” from Pièces de Fantaisie — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)