Mendelssohn - Organ Sonata No.6, Mvmnt 3

Mendelssohn actually took me by surprise with this movement. You would think that the final movement of the last sonata in his Op.65 masterpiece would be a big, showy firework to cap everything off. Instead, here's a quiet, relaxing, and mellow movement that gently sets everything to rest. Edition used was Dupre, and the organist is me, Chris Rohrs.

Mendelssohn - Organ Sonata Op.65 No.6 in D minor - 4: Andante ( 02:38 )

 

Sounds well played to me. I'm not to keen on the registration, but that's probably because I am partial to Baroque organ sound. The audible attack of the pipes disturbs me a bit, it sounds as if you're playing wrong notes, especially right at the start ! Are you recording very close to the organ ? I've heard this same on some organ recording but never so prominent as here.

 

Yes, the organ has a voicing problem with some of the pipes... I don't know the cause of it, but I know it drives our church organist mad when she practices throughout the week. Other recordings I've made were done in the back of the church where the sound comes down from the ceiling and they lack that harsh attack quality. This time I was recording a little close, I'll try something different for the next go around.

Also, I did write up an informational text on the Op.65 sonatas, but the address from which I originally sent it does not appear to where I am presently. I won't be in that same space until Monday morning, but know it is written and I'm at odds how I ended up without the text. However, I will post it here at the earliest convenience.

 

Sorry for the inordinate delay! I discovered there was a server crash at my primary location, thus the information was rerouted into netherspace. Nevertheless, here is what I wrote:

One of his primary works for organ, Mendelssohn's Op. 65 Organ Sonatas were composed in 1845. In 1844, Mendelssohn was commissioned to begin a set of voluntaries for the general English populance. The definition of voluntary at the time was fairly ambiguous. It was understood by Mendelssohn that it was meant to be organ music set in a collection without an exact form. The point was for the music to be adaptable and appropriate in a variety of situations and circumstances. In writing these "voluntaries" Mendelssohn drew from the inspiration of Bach, having the year before performed Bach's preludes, fugues, and Orgelbüchlein in concert. The Six Organ Sonatas were published by Coventry & Hollier in 1845, a publishing house dedicated to promoting Bach and supporting Mendelssohn's efforts. It may be of worthy of note that Mendelssohn constructed a number of his sonatas from several previously composed but dissociated and unpublished movements. Whatever their origin, they are undoubtedly by Mendelssohn's hand and have been widely studied by organists since their publication.

The book I used as a reference guide was Mendelssohn Studies, by R. Larry Todd (Cambridge University Press, 2006), pg.97

 

Good stuff, thanks ! I could use that as-is.

Don't forget to post your bio and photo.

 

That's right! Thanks for reminding me:

Christopher Rohrs (1986 - ) began piano lessons at the age of 3 with Suzuki theory driving his instruction. When he graduated from high school, he decided he wanted to learn on his own time and quit official lessons. Music eventually grew too complex and he knew he needed someone to teach techniques unknown to him in order to progress. At the same time, Chris was introduced to the organ by the Music Associate at his home church in Santa Ana. As this was a very different instrument than the piano, Chris began seeking lessons for both piano and organ. From the benefit of an organ scholarship program provided by his church, Chris has been learning what he considers “real” music since the summer of 2007. His primary focus is now organ and hopes to incorporate his music skills in what he does in the future. As a student of Cal State Long Beach, Chris is finishing up the Liberal Studies program with the ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. With his twin passions of education and music, there is no doubt that the two will only serve to enhance each other as time goes on. Chris currently studies under Lynnette McGee and is continually learning new ways of handling music with each lesson.

 

Ok thanks, your page is now ready:

http://server3.pianosociety.com/cms/ind ... ction=2639

 

cool, thanks!