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Prelude and Fugue in E major - (2011)
for organ
to the memory of Paul J. Sifler
The light-spirited theme in the pedal line begins on the seventh of the major scale, and in two long rises reaches the final tonic. The figure in the top voice of the manuals displays the same opening gambit in metrical diminution. The prelude moves through several tonal domains, albeit temporary dalliances before reaffirming the bright E major in an affirmation of forte and più forte.
The fugue subject is stated without accompaniment (as I have done in other fugues), with the answer being accompanied in two additional voices. The fugue moves for a moment away from the normative tonic-dominant pendulum to visit the sub-mediant as well. A final statement which should be felt in a maestoso reaches a fortissimo climax.
Paul J. Sifler
Sifler, a naturalized American citizen of Yugoslavian birth, was a composer, teacher, organist and choir director. He studied organ and composition at the Chicago Conservatory with Leo Sowerby and Robert Sanders, as well as with Claire Coci in New York. Paul held positions in churches and synagogues in Mt. Vernon, Kew Gardens, and Brooklyn, as organist and director of the Canterbury Choir at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, before moving to California, where he held positions at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hollywood, and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. I knew him during my younger years and sang as soloist in a number of his concerts at St. Thomas.
6 pages, circa 4' 00" - an MP3 demo is here:
The score is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this organ score.
