THE ORGAN OF ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN, WODONGA | Denis Bédard — Meditation on Londonderry Air

Today’s video is from St John’s Anglican Church, Wodonga, home to a 1966 Laurie organ of 2 manuals, 4 ranks + mixture extension with electro-pneumatic action. I have been making visits around my area in preparation for the Organ Historical of Australia conference later in the year (October 2023).

This meditation uses the traditional Irish melody, also known as “Danny Boy,” as the theme for the composition. Denis Bédard’s has a remarkable ability to blend timeless melodies with his own unique compositional style. Bédard (b. 1950), born in Quebec City, is a renowned organist and educator who has studied and held prestigious positions worldwide, including the Conservatoire de Musique Québec, Paris, Montreal, Amsterdam, and the University of British Columbia. Best known for his contributions to organ music, Bédard’s extensive catalog also encompasses orchestral, vocal, chamber, and choral compositions. His tonal and melodic music is celebrated for its formal clarity and immediate communication. Regular viewers to my channel will know that I really do enjoy playing his works and they feature often here. The score is available for purchase below.

Score: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/meditation-on-londonderry-air-sheet-music/22371323?aff_id=478282

Organ specification

Great:
8 Principal
8 Stopt Diapason
8 Dulciana
4 Octave
4 Flute
2 Super Octave
III Mixture
8 Trumpet

Swell:
8 Stopt Diapason
8 Dulciana
4 Principal
4 Flute
2 Flautino
1-1/3 Nineteenth
1 Twenty-Second
8 Trumpet

Pedal:
16 Rohr Bourdon
8 Stopt Diapason
5-1/3 Quint
4 Octave
III Mixture
8 Trumpet

Ref: https://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/WodongaAng.html

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