American Variations: American organ music

Although many of [the tracks] will, I suspect, be unfamiliar territory, this comprehensive survey o some of the best American organ music should do much to correct any ignorance…This attractive... — Gramophone Magazine, September 2018 More…

Release Date: 18th May 2018
Catalogue No: REGCD508
Label: Regent

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days

Buck, D: Concert Variations on 'The Star-Spangled Banner', Op. 23

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Christiansen, F M: March

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Copland: Passacaglia

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Davis, K K: Pastorale

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Diemer, E: Folk Hymn Sketches for organ

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Hailstork: Suite for Organ: Prelude

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Harbach: Fantasy and Fugue on 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Ives, C: Variations on 'America'

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Kay, U: Suite No. 1: Finale

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Mader, C V: October Interlude

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Peck: In the Garden

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

Rorem: Rain over the Quaker Graveyard

Andrew Peters (Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis)

About
Reviews
Explore

About

This large 4-manual, 60-rank, organ, built by the Schantz firm in 1965, and restored by them in 2012, is put through its paces in this wide-ranging survey of American organ music from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

In addition to well-known extrovert works in variation form by Percy Buck and Charles Ives which frame the recital there are lesser-known works in a wide variety of styles, including first recording of works by three female composers.

Aaron Copland is represented by a masterful transcription for organ of his monumental Passacaglia for solo piano. The remainder of the works are originals for solo organ and provide a fascinating survey into the breadth and quality of recent writing for the organ in the US, played on a authentic American organ.

Organist and conductor Andrew Peters serves as organist and minister of music at Second Presbyterian Church in Saint Louis. At the church he directs the choral groups and handbell choir, plays the recently restored organ, and oversees the church’s Couts Music Series as artistic director. He plays with the Saint Louis Symphony as ensemble organist and is assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis. A recipient of numerous awards, Peters is known for both his organ recitals and accompaniments to silent movies, especially those starring Harold Lloyd. Past performances include appearances at the Cathedral of St John the Divine and St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, St Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta, Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, St Olaf College, DePauw University.

Reviews

September 2018

Although many of [the tracks] will, I suspect, be unfamiliar territory, this comprehensive survey o some of the best American organ music should do much to correct any ignorance…This attractive disc is well worth exploring.

American Variations

CD

Contents

Download queue