Course 16
Organ repertoire by Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann & Johannes Brahms by Prof. Stefan Engels
Dates: July 27-31 (2nd week)
Description
This class delves into Mendelssohn’s unique relationship and lifelong fascination with the organ. We will explore his progression as an organist and his profound admiration for J.S. Bach’s music—an essential aspect when teaching the performance of Mendelssohn’s organ compositions. An authentic performance practice and a well-informed approach to registering Mendelssohn’s organ music are pivotal elements of this class. Participants are encouraged to prepare some of the miscellaneous pieces from the Bärenreiter edition, Vol. 1, which beautifully illustrate Mendelssohn’s evolution as an organ composer.
Schumann’s three compositional cycles, adaptable for organ, offer diverse experiences. Unlike the contrapuntal focus of his “Studies for Pedal Piano” Op. 56, which integrates canons inspired by Bach, Schumann’s “Sketches for the Pedal Piano” Op. 58 emphasize a compact sound with poetic and chamber-like qualities. These character pieces inherit a distinct charm compared to Op. 56 and Op. 60, the “Six Fugues on the Name of B-A-C-H,” which emphasize polyphony. The class will refine the nuances of performing Schumann’s semi-original compositions for the organ.
Repertoire List
Felix Mendelssohn & Johannes Brahms:
Complete works for Organ
Robert Schumann:
• 6 Studien in kanonischer Form Op. 56
• 4 Skizzen für den Pedalflügel Op. 58
• 6 Fugen über BACH für Orgel Op. 60
Choose which pieces from this list you want to prepare and let us know by sending an email to office@organfestival.nl. Please note that the playing time per student is limited and that we cannot guarantee that you can play all your preferred pieces. Nevertheless, choose approximately 3-5 pieces so that the professor can compile an attractive course program.
If we do not receive notification of your prepared pieces, your registration will be changed to passive.
This course can not be combined with:
[6b] Improvisation (Lacôte)
[6c] Organ repertoire by Georg Muffat and Middle-European contemporaries (Zerer)
(6a)
About Stefan Engels
Stefan Engels is Professor of Organ and Leah Fullinwider Centennial Chair in Music Performance at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he is also chair of the Organ Department at the Meadows School of the Arts. Prior to that he was Professor of Organ at the University of Music and Performing Arts Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Leipzig, Germany (2005-2015), and Associate Professor of Organ and Chair of the Organ Department at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey (1999-2005). Stefan Engels has performed and taught extensively across Europe, North America, South Korea and Russia. His specialization in the organ works of Sigfrid Karg-Elert has resulted in the world premiere recording of the complete organ works of Karg-Elert (15 CDs) on the Priory label. Stefan Engels received his musical education in his native Germany and the United States. He achieved his international breakthrough when he was awarded the Concerto Gold Medal at the 1998 Calgary International Organ Competition.
