Stefan Engels: German Masterworks at Metropolitan United Church

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2 Newsletter for the Toronto Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists December/January Stefan Engels: German Masterworks at Metropolitan United Church On Friday evening, November 6, the Toronto Centre of the RCCO, together with Metropolitan United Church, presented Stefan Engels in recital. He is no stranger to Toronto, having performed here twice before. Professor of Organ at Southwestern Methodist University in Dallas, he has established himself as an accomplished recitalist and respected and sought-after teacher. His recital concentrated on music by German composers with the exception of the opening works, Première et Deuxième Fantasie by Alain. These were played very expressively and I found the interpretations quite moving. There followed the Passacaglia et thema fugatum by Bach. Engels detailed playing highlighted the structure of the work, and his sensitive registration assisted the listener in the enjoyment of this masterpiece. Variations on a sacred folk tune by Karl Hoyer closed the first half of the programme. The theme itself was extremely simple, and I have to confess that when the piece concluded I was quite ready to scrap it. However, Hoyer, a contemporary of Reger and eventually teacher and organist in Leipzig at the St. Nicholas Church was a well known composer of his time and is only recently being discovered. His style is much like Reger s with much chromaticism. The Variations exploit every possible way of treating the theme and this alone kept up my interest while Engels added to the enjoyment by using every possible variety of sound to display both the composition and also his formidable technique. His mastery of the romantic organ was exhibited in the second half with works of Sigfrid Karg-Elert. Engels has recorded the complete works of Karg-Elert and it was a pleasure to hear him demonstrate the contrasting moods of one of the Symphonic Chorales, and one of the 10 Characteristic Tone Poems. The selection of Aphorismus once again demonstrated Engels mastery of the huge resources of the Casavant organ from The conclusion of the concert was Karg-Elert s Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue on B.A.C.H. This is a technically demanding work, but Engels, as in all his meticulous playing, kept the structure clear, and exploited the organ s resources to the fullest and certainly kept our attentions to the final chord. It was a delight to have him as a guest in our centre. Continued on Page 2 In this issue: 2 Page 3: Stefan Engels at Metropolitan United Page 4: The President s Voice Page 5: Recitals & Concerts Page 6: Communications Manager Wanted

3 Stefan Engels at Metropolitan United Church (Continued from Page 1) This was a recital not to be missed since it displayed so much material rarely heard in Toronto. Unfortunately, members of the RCCO seem to be disinterested in the organ, for the number of members present could easily be counted on two hands. The executive is always puzzled by members who join the organisation but seem to ignore the wealth of organ music presented in this city. The Master Class was also poorly attended, but the students played well and Engels worked intensely with the students, pointing out what might be improved. Especially interesting was his working with one student, teaching him how to master the Crescendo Pedal in the expressive playing of Liszt. We are so grateful that we have such fine talented students who can respond to such teaching. Thank you to Stefani Bedin, Manuel Piazza and Rashaan Allwood for their participation in this event, sponsored by the Faculty of Music. William Wright Stefan Engels Masterclass Photos by Tom Fitches & John Tuttle 3

4 The President s Voice December 2015 What! December already? By the time this reaches you, most of you will be deep in countless rehearsals for the innumerable worship and carol services with Messiah, Christmas Oratorio, nativity plays, pageants and bell ringing all playing a part. Not to be missed is marvelous Christmas organ music. This year with the passing of Sir David Willcocks I will especially appreciate and give thanks for his classic descants on the Christmas hymns. Somewhere in all of this should we not make time for Him whose Festival we are celebrating? Heaven s light flashed against the darkness; A guided star left its socket, Curious kings their thrones and shepherds their pastures. Men s spirits soared as if lifted by eagle s wings, While all the host of heaven joined in a Hallelujah chorus to announce the appearance of history s brightest hour. It was the fullness of time and the highest hopes Of both God and man met in a manger in Bethlehem. David Weind Mark Your Calendars! Hymn Festival with John Schwandt Sunday, February 21st Grace Church on-the-hill 2:00 PM A Hymn Festival for Lent featuring Organist John Schwandt and the Choirs of Grace Church on-the-hill. "John has the most extraordinary sense of hymn playing. If you could see the faces of the congregation you would have seen a group of worshipers enlightened and lifted by his leading of the music. The scriptures and texts were matched with improvisations and accompaniments in an emotionally charged and yet seamless way that gave me greater understanding of the Word." - Kevin Fleming, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Evansville IN 4

5 Recitals & Concerts Thursday, December 10 12:15 pm Su Jeon Higuera, pianist Metropolitan United Church Sunday, December 13 4:30 pm Twilight Carol Service Cummer Avenue United Church The choir of Cummer Ave. United Church (Taylor Sullivan, director) leads an evening service of readings and carols. Choral music to include carols from England and France along with the Telemann's cantata "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland". Tuesday, December 15 1:00 pm Raphael Tambyeff (Paris), organist St. James Cathedral Thursday, December 17 12:15 pm Patricia Wright, organist Metropolitan United Church Saturday, December 19 4:00 pm Messiaen's La Nativite du Seigneur Performed by Artist-in-Residence David Briggs. St. James Cathedral Admission by donation Tuesday, December 22 1:00 pm David Briggs, organist St. James Cathedral Tuesday, December 29 1:00 pm Thomas Fitches, organist St. James Cathedral Noels by French composers Tuesday, January 5 1:00 pm Andrew Ager, organist St. James Cathedral Premiere of Organ Sonata No. III Thursday, January 7 12:15 pm Andrew Ager, organist Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, January 12 1:00 pm David Briggs, organist St. James Cathedral Thursday, January 14 12:15 pm Matthew Whitfield, organist Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, January 19 1:00 pm David Briggs, organist St. James Cathedral Thursday, January 21 12:15 pm John Paul Farahat, organist Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, January 26 1:00 pm Thomas Fitches, organist St. James Cathedral Dance music for organ Thursday, January 28 12:15 pm Rashaan Allwood, organist Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, February 2 1:00 pm Thomas Fitches, organist St. James Cathedral Thursday, February 4 12:15 pm Manuel Piazza, organist Metropolitan United Church Tuesday, February 9 1:00 pm Rashaan Allwood, organist St. James Cathedral AVAILABLE NOW: Bach In Time: Let There Be Beauty Poetry by Patricia Orr, Bach's organ music played by Patricia Wright Booklet and CD $25 (+$5mailng) patriciaw@metunited.org or through the Metropolitan EStore metunited.org 5

6 Organs of Toronto Would you like to know more about any of the organs mentioned in this issue of the Bulletin? If so, consider purchasing Organs of Toronto, a comprehensive guide to Toronto s pipe organs. The Organs of Toronto CD, an accompaniment to Alan Jackson & James Bailey s book Organs of Toronto, is a compilation of fourteen instruments contained within the book. The book is available for $40, and the CD for $10. Buy your copy at: Opus II music store, Kitchener Remenyi House of Music, Toronto Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto. Bulletin Information The Editor of the Bulletin is Matthew Whitfield, Organist & Director of Music at St. John the Baptist, Norway Anglican Church. The submission deadline for the February issue of the Bulletin is: Monday, February 1. To make a submission, please the editor at: mwhitfi3@gmail.com For more information and to see upcoming events, please visit the RCCO Toronto website, VACANCY ON RCCO TORONTO EXECUTIVE If you are a tech-savvy person who also wants to get involved in Toronto s organist community, the RCCO Toronto Centre Executive seeks a Communications Manager. The Communications Manager s responsibilities include: Updating and maintaining the RCCO Toronto website Writing and sending e-blasts to members Developing an effective, comprehensive, and integrated online presence through web-based applications, retailers, and marketing sites If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact David Weind (dweind@hotmail.com) or Matthew Whitfield (mwhitfi3@gmail.com) Don t Forget to Reserve Your Seats at the RCCO New Year s Dinner! This year s dinner features the inimitable performers Mary Lou Fallis and Peter Tiefenbach, with food provided by Café Polonez. Anyone who has eaten at Café Polonez will know that their food is delicious and filling, a wonderful combination of old-world flavours. We will be offering traditional pork filled cabbage rolls, chicken schnitzel, and vegetarian mushroom cabbage rolls, all served with a bouquet of colourful vegetables. We will also be treated to an appetizer table of fruits and cheeses, and a dessert bar to finish, along with wine and non -alcoholic beverages. There are three ways to book seats: 1) Complete the tear-off on Page 1 of this Bulletin, and send it to the address provided 2) Book by phone: Call 6 RON at (905) ) Book by ron@keyboardperformance.com BOOK SOON TICKETS SELL FAST!