Pipe and Voice

Pipe and Voice
Music of 20th Century French Cathedrals

Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 4:00 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse
1904 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

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Program

YVES CASTAGNET - Messe Salve Regina
ADDITIONAL WORKS BY - Dupré, Villette, Roger-Ducasse, and Messiaen

Artists

Donald Meineke, Conductor
Choral Arts Philadelphia
John Walthausen, Choir Organ
Dr. Thomas Gaynor, Gallery Organ

Venue

Church of the Holy Trinity Rittenhouse
1904 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Following the First World War, French music witnessed a remarkable evolution, influenced by the changing cultural, social, and political landscapes of the time. Impressionism, Neoclassism, Minimalism, and Jazz all contributed to the rich musical tapestry in France throughout the 20th century. Music in the cathedrals of France, while deeply rooted in the ancient melodies of chant, began to produce a style of sacred music with far-reaching influence throughout Europe and into North America. A signature genre to emerge during this period was choral masses accompanied by two organs: a large ‘grand organ’ in the back gallery which handled the virtuosic accompaniment and a smaller ‘choir organ’ in the front which supported the choir. With the completion of the impressive Möller Organ, Op. 8128 at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Choral Arts Philadelphia opens its 42nd season with music of the French Cathedrals for choir and two organs featuring Yves Castagnet’s thrilling Messe Salve Regina along with music of Dupré, Villette, Roger-Ducasse, and Messiaen.