Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Marilyn Keiser is a renowned American organist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1942 in Racine, Wisconsin, Keiser showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. She later switched to the organ and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Keiser received her Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1964, where she studied with Grigg Fountain. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1966, where she studied with Robert Noehren. Keiser continued her studies at the University of Kansas, where she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1972, studying with James Higdon. Throughout her career, Keiser has been recognized for her exceptional talent and dedication to the organ. She has won numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Kansas, the Outstanding Alumna Award from Northwestern University, and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Guild of Organists. Keiser has also been a prolific performer, giving recitals and concerts throughout the United States and Europe. She has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. One of Keiser's most notable performances was her 1992 recital at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The recital was part of the cathedral's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen, and Keiser performed several of his works, including his monumental "La Nativité du Seigneur." The performance was widely praised for its technical virtuosity and emotional depth. In addition to her work as a performer, Keiser has also made significant contributions to the world of composition. She has written numerous works for the organ, including preludes, fugues, and chorale preludes. Her compositions have been performed by organists around the world and have been featured on several recordings. Keiser has also been a dedicated educator, teaching at several universities throughout her career. She served as the organ professor at the University of Kansas from 1972 to 1985, and then at Indiana University from 1985 to 1991. In 1991, she was appointed as the Professor of Organ at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, a position she held until her retirement in 2012. Throughout her career, Keiser has been a tireless advocate for the organ and for classical music in general. She has served on the boards of several organizations, including the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. She has also been a frequent guest lecturer and clinician, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians around the world. In recognition of her contributions to the world of classical music, Keiser has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Music degrees from the University of the South and the University of Notre Dame. She has also been inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Today, Marilyn Keiser continues to be an active performer, composer, and educator. She remains committed to promoting the organ and classical music to new audiences and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

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