In this final exam, Steven takes you through different musical eras and styles, with works by some of history's most influential (organ) composers.
William Byrd, a leading composer of the English Renaissance, is known for his rich and expressive music. Each movement of ‘The Battel’ paints a vivid picture of different aspects of a battle, from the call to victory.
Bach's ‘Passacaglia in C-Moll, BWV 582’ is a masterpiece he wrote at the age of 21. In a passacaglia, the bass line is repeated over and over again, with a new variation played above each repetition. This passacaglia eventually culminates in a grandiose fugue.
After Bach, the programme includes an improvisation by Steven, based on a given theme. Improvisation plays a crucial role in the organ tradition, with the organist showing his creativity in the moment.
The highlight of the evening is the Concerto by Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963), a composer known for his versatility and inventiveness. His ‘Concerto pour orgue, timbales et orchestre à cordes en sol mineur’, written in the 20th century, combines the organ with percussion and strings. Poulenc's work is both energetic and lyrical and refers to different musical styles. An orchestra of professional musicians and conservatory students has been assembled for the occasion.
Finally, the ‘Fresque Symphonique Sacrée No. 2’ by Charles Tournemire (1870 - 1939).