Choral fantasia on "O du fröhliche" (op. 54, 1975)
written for Günter Jena and the St Michaelis Choir Hamburg
2 mixed choirs, 2 trumpets (high Bb and C) and 4 organs
Duration: 2 mixed choirs
Edward-Tarr-Bläser-Ensemble | G. Dickel, T. Dittmann, J. Henschen, J. Domagala - organs | St. Michaelis-Choir | conducter: Günther Jena
Title: Choral fantasia on "O du fröhliche" (1975) - Length: 38 pages - Date: 5 Nov. 75 - Location: Bavarian State Library, Munich
Bertold Hummel Foundation
It is an impressive spectacle when four organs, two choirs and several wind ensembles play music at the same time. At the "Music for Advent and Christmas" in the main church of St Michael's under the direction of Günther Jena, a composition for this unusual instrumentation was the highlight and finale. Bertold Hummel had written a fantasia on the Sicilian Christmas carol "O du fröhliche, o du selige" especially for this concert. All the organs and organ positives in the "Michel" and their locations were included in the musical events. Hummel combines apocalyptic foreboding and a Christmas message of joy. The masses of sound emanating from all four directions (from three galleries and the chancel) are impressive.
Dear Mr Hummel,
May I remind you once again of our gigantic Christmas play, if you could make up your mind to do so. I have already spoken to Edward Tarr about it. (Just don't make his part and the part of the first organist too easy!) I would need the sheet musicfor the large choir (please not heavier than "Silent Night" - which will be performed again on this occasion) on 12 November.
By the way: I would like to perform your fantasia in October 1977as part of a concert on B-A-C-H .
With kind regards
Hamburg, 29 September 1975, Günter Jena