Dear lovers of music, mystery, and meaning,

🎻 My friend Kathryn has just returned from the Toulouse Organ Festival where she had many opportunities to hear fabulous organ playing in that city (while dodging tear gas from protests on her home).

Her reports have me thinking about organ and orchestra repertoire I've known and loved over the years.

So, this morning I've put on the Symphony for Organ and Orchestra by Marcel Dupré (1886–1971). In this expansive, varied piece, Dupré brings all of his skill to bear and creates many different moods and colors. The climaxes are thrilling and unforgettable.

The recording I fell in love with as a high schooler was Michael Murray in Royal Albert Hall.

🎃 This weekend I'm performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Rachel Laurin (1961–2023). It's a fun, spooky piece! And it's the first piece of hers I will have performed.

📷 A look at St. Louis Abbey after Evensong last Sunday.

Until next week,
-David