Author Archives: Robert

…All creatures great and small. So begins a hymn, sung to the tune Royal Oak, which I first set for piano in 2001 and, more recently, for organ. After getting up real early (see ATBaB pt I), checking out some … Continue reading →

…although, in light of this morning’s explosions in London, it’s sometimes a little harder to see the bright and beautiful as clearly. Still, daughter Delara had her morning commute only lengthened and not permanently put on hold. The day started … Continue reading →

I didn’t mean to take so long between posts, but between the start of a search for a new church music position and some substantial work on my website, my creative energy was tied up in knots. It’s been fun … Continue reading →

Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) talked about the concept of Gebrauchsmuziek–essentially functional, or occasional music. He wrote for a broad range of instrumental and vocal combinations, writing music that he expected to be used, rather than sit on a shelf. A look … Continue reading →

Well, I played my Prelude on Ellacombe (for organ) this morning. I thought it went well. It was particularly gratifying that I made different (relatively small) mistakes each time (we have two morning church services). As a performer I find … Continue reading →

I’ve been volunteering this week at the San Francisco AGO (American Guild of Organists) chapter’s POE (Pipe Organ Encounter for teens). We’ve had the privilege of hosting 32 students from around the nation–some already capable organists, others trying the instrument … Continue reading →

This is the start of my latest piece, a prelude on the hymn tune Ellacombe. I’ve written several pieces following the rough form of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ setting of Rhosymedre. While I’ll spend some time on that in a subsequent … Continue reading →