Reflections on "Victimae paschali laudes"- (2024)   

for organ

for Clara Gerdes

 

After hearing a very fine recital in Charleston, I thought to compose something for this talented organist. She suggested the theme, and so it is taken from the edition as found in the Einsiedeln manuscript of the Codex Las Huelgas (c. 1300 - 1325), attributed to Wipo de Bourgogne (c. 995 - c.1050). The single line, Gregorian chant is of repetitions and sections, and as such portions of the overall became themes for these instrumental reflections.

 

 

The quieter portions of these reflections give way to a fiery toccata, and the moods combine in sequence through until the final embedded "Alleluia" of the last measure, for the sense of the whole.

 

 

 

10 pages, circa 10' 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.

 

Reflections on "Victimae paschali laudes"