This month we collectively enter into a season of Thanksgiving. In the midst of the approaching seasons of Advent and Christmas, associated rehearsals and preparations, along with celebrations in non-Western traditions, let us take time to be thankful for all we have and the communities that support us.
Our local organ community has much to be thankful for. I would like to specifically highlight and give thanks to and for David Dahl. Not only is he a renowned pedagogue, but also a “mover and shaker” in the historically-informed organ building tradition and genuinely supportive friend and colleague to many in the area and around the country. David presented a wonderful workshop on the fugues from J. S. Bach’s (?) 8 Little Preludes and Fugues, for our October gathering, assisted by Paul Tegels and Tom Clark. You can read about that workshop below and access its resources here.
Continuing on the theme of Bach scholarship, I would like to draw your attention to a new addition to the literature: J. S. Bach: The Organ Works by George Stauffer, published by Oxford University Press a few months ago. This volume, amassing over six hundred pages of text and resources, takes the reader through a chronological analysis of Bach’s organ works, using the most recent Bach scholarship. Additionally, Kimberly Marshall has written a substantial feature review of Stauffer’s book in the November issue of The American Organist, found on pages 74-78. I am slowly sinking my teeth into this new text, which already seems that it will hold forth on bookshelves next to the landmark texts on Bach’s organ works by Peter Williams and others!
Rounding back to this season of Thanksgiving: On Saturday, November 23 at 7:30pm, we will join with the community of Christ Church Episcopal to celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of the landmark Brombaugh organ with a concert by renowned organist and teacher Nathan Laube. This organ graces the Nave of Christ Church with many thanks (again) to the leadership of David Dahl. Tacoma AGO members (regular, special and dual) will receive a $5 discount on tickets purchased at the door ($20 regular/$15 seniors). There will be a separate ticket table for AGO members. Please note that in order to receive this discount, you must purchase your tickets at the door with check or cash.
In closing, I would like to thank YOU for being a member of the Tacoma chapter of the AGO. As always, check out our online calendar to find local events to engage with other organists and supporters of the instrument in either musical or social settings!
In music,
Wyatt Smith