A Hopeful Organ Recital

The St. Andrew United Church of Christ (UCC) in Lancaster, PA presented an organ recital titled, "Our Hope for Years to Come: A Journey Through Music and Time" on Saturday September 18th featuring a performance by Thomas D. Busteed. The work presented ranged from pieces composed by Dennis Janzer’s (who was born in 1954) “Galaries Ancien” to Richard Wagner’s (who was born in 1813) “Pilgrim’s Chorus” from his Opera titled, “Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg.” Translation: “Tannhäuser and the Singers' Contest at Wartburg.” The evening also included a work created by Thomas D. Busteed titled, “Prayer for Peace” from a larger work he composed titled, “Requiem for Organ.”

The pieces selected proved to make the evening an entertaining one as the music reflected a thoughtful perspective on the distant years of the past and how they relate to the present as well as the future of our existence. There was on particular piece that caught my attention. It was a work composed by Michael Praetorius who was born Michael Schultze in 1571 and titled, “Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Her.” What made this piece particularly interesting was the introduction of the sounds of bells during its presentation. They seemed aberrant to the piece but their presence almost forced the listener to become more attentive to the melodies and other musical elements of the work. Very interesting.

The concert was well attended and there were an opportunity to chat with Mr. Busteed afterwards during a reception. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts. The St. Andrew United Church of Christ (UCC) in Lancaster, PA offers Spiritual Guidance and Solace to those who attend their weekly services. Please Contact The St. Andrew UCC at 717-394-3311 for more information.