Prelude
Lux et origo

for organ (2010)

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Duration: 7 minutes

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Program Note:

In Medieval chant performance, monks would add their individual creativity to established chant by embellishing words and music into the ordinary of the mass. They would elaborate with flowing melismas and flowery texts to the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Mother, and the saints and martyrs. In my organ prelude Lux et origo, I started with a section of plainchant and used the "trope" idea to embellish and comment on the chant. The melody is passed between registers while themes are elaborated on and varied. The work builds to a central climax where  the full organ plays extended, majestic statement before fading out into polyphonic exchanges and the return of the opening chant.

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Premiere:

James Busby, organ

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Providence, RI

March 6, 2011

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Premiere Recording:

Ekatrina Nikolaeva, organ

New Music for Organ, Phasma-Music, 2024

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