Tidings of Joy: 5 Organ Preludes for Christmas

These five Christmas preludes are unquestionably captivating.

The opening prelude is based on a new hymn tune by the composer found in One and All Rejoice on the Slovak text “Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing.” A propelling “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” drives with intensity and strength keeping listeners baited for every next note. “See amid the Winter’s Snow” is set among musically falling snow, light and calm and most enchanting. “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice” is thrilling, with a constant driving eighth note rhythm, pushing forward with the loud cantus firmus in the pedal. The final piece, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” can be registered in lightly, setting forth the hymn in a whimsically jubilant way or with the full intensity of a triumphal postlude.