JOHN WALKER, organist

February 4, 2017
Program

Concerto in G, HWV 289 George Friderick Handel (1685-1759)

Handel intended this concerto for organ, oboes, bassoon and strings to be performed immediately
before the closing chorus of Alexanders Feast, his setting of John Drydens Ode. Handel was
organ soloist for the premier performance at Covent Garden Theater, London, on February 19,
1736. Following the third improvisatory recitative) section, the closing movement is a minuet and
variations which Handel expanded from his own Trio Sonata in F, Op.5, No.6.

March on a Theme of Handel Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911)

As organist at Trinit Church in Paris for thirty years and successor to Widor as professor of organ
at the Paris Conservatory, Guilmant also helped to found the Schola Cantorum. He was
particularly active in making known the music of the past, as demonstrated in this Marche
Religieuse on the theme of the chorus Lift up your heads, O ye gates from Handels Messiah. A
fugue on an original subject follows the initial statement of the Handelian theme, culminating in
a final climactic restatement of the opening material.

Fugue in E Flat Major, BWV 552b Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Engraved and published in 1739, this fugue concludes Bachs monumental setting of organ
preludes on the Lutheran Catechism and other hymns. This final composition in Clavierbung III
is built upon a melody reminiscent of St. Anne, the English tune frequently associated with the
hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past. Symbolizing the Trinity, this Fugue carries a key signature of
three flats and it is composed in three distinct sections representing the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.

Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past

Please stand as you are able to sing this hymn. Page 117 in the UMC Hymnal.

Chorale with Variations, from Sonata VI in D Minor Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

The opening movement of Mendelssohns sixth and final sonata for organ, this work begins with
a statement of the German chorale Vater unser im Himmelreich (Our Father, who art in heaven),
followed thereafter by four variations upon that hymn tune. The textures are reminiscent of
pianistic and orchestral writing, the two idioms most frequently associated with Mendelssohn. It
is possible that each variation may be linked to successive petitions in The Lords Prayer.

Intermission
Prelude on Marion (Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart) Albert Travis

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Organ at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, since
1978 Albert Travis has also been organist at Broadway Baptist Church, where he plays the Rildia
Bee O'Bryan Cliburn Organ, the largest instrument ever built by the Casavant Organ Company.
His brilliant prelude on Marion develops the hymn tune composed in 1883 by Arthur Messiter,
organist at Trinity Church in New York City. In 1887 this tune was sung at Trinity Church, Wall
Street, to the text Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart to celebrate the jubilee year of Queen Victorias
succession to the throne of England.

Adagio in E Major Frank Bridge (1879-1941)

Having studied composition with Charles Stanford at the Royal College of Music in London, Bridge
quickly established a reputation as a leading composer, violist and conductor. His empathetic
understanding of string writing is evident in this Adagio for organ, in which the seamless melodic
line grows from the instruments softest to its most robust sonorities, thereafter receding to the
original gentle timbres.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus William Bolcom (b. 1938)

Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, William Bolcom was the first person to earn the
Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stanford University. His wide interest in the heritage of African-
Americans has inspired him to compose four volumes of Gospel Preludes for the organ. Highly
rhythmic, What a Friend We Have in Jesus attempts to capture in classical notation the
improvisational keyboard spirit and style of the gospel music idiom.

Allegretto, from Sonata in E Flat Horatio Parker (1863-1919)

Born in Massachusetts, Parker studied in Munich with Rheinberger. Upon his return to America
he held several distinguished positions in church music in New York and Boston. In 1894 he was
appointed to the faculty of Yale University. In 1896 he was a founding member of the American
Guild of Organists.

The Allegretto from Horatio Parkers Sonata is a light-hearted movement featuring solo
opportunities for the clarinet and flute ranks of the organ.

Concert Variations on Old Hundred John Knowles Paine (1839-1906)

The first person to hold a chair of music at an American university, Paine was professor of music
and chapel organist at Harvard University. During earlier study in Germany he had acquired
classical music disciplines, which defined the academic program which he established at Harvard.
In 1896 Paine was also a founding member of the American Guild of Organists.

The variations upon the tune associated with the Doxology present several classical stanzas
followed by a somber chromatic setting in the minor tonality, culminating in a large fugue and
one last triumphant statement of the melody in massive chords with a pedal obbligato.
 MISSOURI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CONCERT SERIES

Started in 2005 by then MUMC Music Director Alex Innecco, the series ran through the 2010-2011 season ending when Alex
returned to his home country of Brazil. During its existence it brought a significant variety of musical talent to central Missouri
from multiple musical genres both domestic and international. With strong collaboration from many different groups, and a
dedicated concert committee, the series has been re-established to continue making a strong contribution to the music culture
of central Missouri.

No music program can succeed at the highest levels without belief, commitment, and strong donor patrons Dr. Gene Ridenhour
was just that investing in MUMC music programs with significant time and contributions. It is with great pride that we proudly
re-establish this concert series in honor of Dr. Gene Ridenhour - benefactor, believer, and beloved.

Before the first concert of the season, the MUMC Choirs lost their devoted Music Director, Marty Hook, who had inspired the
recreation of the series and personally created both the Wesley Festival in October and the Christmas Concert in December. This
season is lovingly dedicated to his memory.

**********
This concert is co-sponsored by the Central Missouri Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. The
Guild serves approximately 15,000 members in more than 300 chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The mission
of the AGO is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.

Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards,
and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. AGO offers these member certifications:
service playing certificate, choirmaster, colleague, associate, and fellow. The latter three being commensurate with bachelor,
master and doctorate university degrees in music. National conventions occur biennially. In other years regional conventions
are held. Members are predominantly church organists seeking to lead, inspire, and enhance worship. However, membership is
open to all enthusiasts of the organ and the massive amount of music literature written for it.

Central Missouri Chapter of the AGO began in 1931 through the efforts of Nesta Williams (AGO Fellow), Professor of Organ,
Stephens College; Luther Spayde, Professor of Organ, Central Methodist College; and James T. Quarles, Professor of Organ,
University of Missouri. James Quarles, as well, was the founding dean of the University of Missouri School of Fine Arts and
choirmaster/organist of Missouri United Methodist Church. This began a long association of people having ties to the University
of Missouri, Central Methodist University, Missouri United Methodist Church, and the Central Missouri Chapter that continues
to this day.

The chapter hosted a regional convention in Columbia in 1957, with Perry Parrigin as chairman. Perry Parrigin was a Central
Missouri Chapter member most or all of his Columbia years (1953-2013). He was also University of Missouri professor of organ
and choirmaster/organist at Missouri United Methodist Church of Columbia. Craig Datz, chapter member, is the church's current
organist.

Today the chapter has 37 members and affiliated persons who encourage and support one another as church musicians. The
membership meets monthly for concerts, recitals, workshops, meals, and fellowship. Members are in communities across central
Missouri including Moberly, Marshall, Clinton, Fayette, Eldon, Jefferson City, Centralia, St. Thomas, Otterville, and
Columbia. Those interested in joining the Guild may contact any chapter member, or the chapter dean, Mary Kabiri, by phone at
573-634-8669 or email at [email protected]. If you would like more information about our chapter's activities, you
may email [email protected] to be added to our mailing list.

For more about The American Guild of Organists see www.agohq.org.

The MUMC Concert Series Committee would like to graciously thank the following:
Mr. Cody Davis for the original art work and graphic design of the posters, program covers, and series logo.
MUMC pastors and staff for their untiring work, commitment, and dedication to this concert series.
 Dr. John Walker
Biography

John Walker is Minister of Music Emeritus at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian
Church in Baltimore and a member of the organ faculty at Peabody Conservatory of
Music, following earlier positions at Shadyside Presbyterian Church and Duquesne
University in Pittsburgh and at The Riverside Church and Manhattan School of Music in
New York City. Following his recent appointment as Artist-in-Residence at Church of the
Redeemer, he currently serves as interim Director of Music/Organist at Emmanuel
Episcopal Church, Baltimore.

John Walker has performed in recital and as concerto soloist throughout North America,
Europe, and in Asia. He has appeared frequently with the San Francisco Symphony
under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas; with the National Symphony Orchestra of
Taiwan, Jahja Ling, conductor; and at conventions of the American Guild of Organists,
the American Choral Directors Association, and the Korean Association of Organists. On
the eve of the millennium, John Walker appeared on nationwide television in Taiwan
during a four-hour marathon concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Pipedreams,
the nationally syndicated program of Minnesota Public Radio, has often featured his
performances. In October 2006 Pipedreams devoted its entire program to his
performances, under the title Walker on the Wild Side.

John Walker earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stanford University, where he
was Assistant University Organist. He holds two Master of Music degrees cum laude
from American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where he later served as a member of
the faculty. Dr. Walker was the 1984 alumni recipient of the Professional Achievement
Award from Westminster College. In 1999 he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to
teach and to perform in Taiwan.

A Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, John Walker is Past President of the AGO,
having previously served as Vice President, Treasurer, and as Coordinator of two
regional conventions. He has been performer and clinician at the Montreat, Mo-Ranch,
Lake Junaluska, Westminster College, and Richner-Strong church music conferences.
Heralded for his hymn playing, recently in Taiwan he was organist and conductor for
two CD recordings of hymns sung in Mandarin and in Taiwanese. His recital in 2013 at
the National Concert Hall in Taipei marked his 14th performance tour to Taiwan. Last
year he was Visiting Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he
presented three days of organ master classes.