Concerto for Organ and Strings

Highlights

• Handelian in style
• three movements
• delightful historical writing

Description

Can an organ concerto work in church? Absolutely. This "Concerto for Organ and Strings" by Michael J. Starke would make a wonderful prelude for an ordination Mass, a wedding Mass, a Mass at Christmas or during the Easter season, or any other time one might have strings in church.

Mr. Starke has expertly captured the mood and style of Handel in this three movement piece. The first movement (Vivace) is a brilliant fantasia with almost constant sixteenth-note motion. It is followed by a calm Affettuoso with a soaring melody in the first violin. This middle movement segues into the final movement (Fuga-Allegro), which is a contrapuntal exposition of theme and countertheme.

Neither the string parts nor the organ solo part is overly difficult, making this concerto easily accessible to most church music programs. The music may have application outside the liturgical setting, possibly being used for graduation ceremonies and high school concerts.