Some Thoughts on Playing the Organ by Willem Tanke: CD Imaginary Day, track 10: The Mixolydian Mode

30/06/2015

CD Imaginary Day, track 10: The Mixolydian Mode - Part Two, organ Stevenskerk Nijmegen

A balance between composition and improvisation can be made by comparing this piece to
The Mixolydian Mode - Part One

An advantage of improvised parts is that one can respond more accurately to the specific qualities of a certain instrument. In both cases the vox humana 8' is used, a reed stop resembling the human voice. Combined with the very high flageolet 1' this produces a particularly penetrating sound.

About

As a classical organist I have been a prominent Messiaen and Reger interpreter since the '90s. Nowadays Bach interpretation is my main classical project. This is represented by my research "Dancing Bach on the organ". At the same time, as an improviser and a performing composer, I have been creating a new musical language which brings together musicians with avant-jazz, avant-pop, Western classical and traditional African and Asian backgrounds. I now relate this to my Bach interpretation.