Choral Arts Philadelphia Presents Artistic Director Matthew Glandorf in a solo organ concert”Psalms without Words”¬†
After the Reformation, many Psalms became associated with certain chorale melodies that were memorized and sung by the common people. Reincken’s monumental setting of Psalm 137 “By the Waters of Babylon” was likely inspired by a great improvisation heard by the young J.S. Bach on a trip he made to Hamburg as a student. Later, Reincken is reported to have heard Bach in turn improvise on the same melody to the old master’s great approval.¬†
Julius Reubke and Herbert Howells in turn used verses from the psalms as inspiration as “tone poems” based on free materials rather than pre-existing melodies. I, in turn will end the program with an improvisation “tone poem” based on a verse from psalm 115.¬†
Choral Prelude on “By the Waters of Babylon” (PSalm 137). ¬† ¬†Johann
Adam Reincken (1643 – 1722)
Three Psalm Preludes Set Two.    Herbert Howells (1892 Р1983)
Three Psalm Preludes – Herbert Howells (1892 – 1983)
I Р Psalm 130  Out of the Depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
II РPsalm 139  The darkness is not dark with Thee, and the night is
as clear as the day.
Darkness and light are as equal unto Thee.
III РPsalm 33  Sing to the Lord a new song. Make a new melody upon the harp
Fugue from Sonata on the 94th Psalm – Julus Reubke (1834 – 1858)
Improvisation on “You are the blessed of the the Lord, who has made
heaven and earth.” Psalm 115: 15
Psalms Without Words is part of our Bach@7 Series.  All Bach@7 Series concerts take place at S Clement’s Church,
2013 Appletree St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
7:00-8:00pm unless otherwise indicated
Please join us post-performance at Bach@7 Concerts for complimentary
wine and refreshments
All Bach@7 Series concerts are pay-what-you-wish