Composer

:

Adolphus Hailstork

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

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3:31

Adolphus Hailstork's 'Toccata on Veni Emmanuel' is a thrilling and virtuosic work for organ that was composed in 1989. The piece was premiered on December 10, 1989, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., by organist Diane Meredith Belcher. The 'Toccata on Veni Emmanuel' is a single-movement work that is based on the hymn tune "Veni Emmanuel," which is also known as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." The piece is characterized by its driving rhythms, intricate counterpoint, and brilliant use of the organ's resources. The piece begins with a bold statement of the hymn tune in the pedal, which is then taken up by the manuals in a series of virtuosic flourishes. The music builds in intensity, with the hymn tune becoming more and more fragmented as it is tossed between the different voices of the organ. The middle section of the piece is marked by a sudden change in mood, with the music becoming more introspective and contemplative. The hymn tune is presented in a series of lush harmonies, with the organist using the full resources of the instrument to create a rich and sonorous sound. The final section of the piece returns to the driving rhythms and virtuosic flourishes of the opening. The hymn tune is once again presented in a fragmented and highly ornamented form, with the music building to a thrilling climax before coming to a sudden and dramatic close. Overall, Adolphus Hailstork's 'Toccata on Veni Emmanuel' is a thrilling and challenging work for organ that showcases the full range of the instrument's capabilities. Its intricate counterpoint, driving rhythms, and brilliant use of the organ's resources make it a favorite among organists and audiences alike.

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