August 8th, 2021

Jaak-Nicolaas Lemmens (1823-1881) was a Belgian organist, composer and teacher. He is considered the father of modern organ pedal technique, having created a legato method of pedal playing based on the singing of Gregorian Chant. As a teacher he founded a major Belgian conservatory of music and taught such illustrious organists as Alexandre Guilmant and Charles-Marie Widor.

Today’s prelude and postlude are both Short Trios designed to instill good pedal technique and serve any number of needs a church organist might have. The title Trio refers to the three equal and independent melodic parts for, respectively, the left hand, right hand, and feet.

Healey Willan (1880-1968) was a major force in 20th century Anglican church music. An accomplished organist, he emigrated from the UK after his formative years to serve as director of music at Toronto’s Saint Paul’s, Bloor Street. In later years he moved to the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, also in Toronto. His numerous compositions include the familiar Gloria and Sanctus settings in the Hymnal 1982, S-202 and S-114.

Today’s anthem, O Sacred Feast, is from a set of 6 sacred motets. This text serves as a wonderful meditation on today’s Gospel reading on the bread of life, John 6:35, 41-51. Willan writes in a musical language characteristic of his works, in which modern-sounding harmonies are blended with a style reminiscent of the music of the Renaissance. This lends the motet interest and variety, while maintaining a timelessness in its choral sonorities.