Guest
Adolf Hesse may have been a talented composer in his own right, he was best known in his own time as a virtuoso organist. Hesse was important in the popularisation of J.S. Bach in the Romantic era, championing his works in public performances, such as his inauguration of the 1844 organ at St Eustache in Paris. Hesse’s own compositions reflect his admiration for Bach, using mature polyphonic textures, while adopting the more romantic harmonies and sensibilities of his time. A conservative in effect, he stopped composing towards the end of his life, as he was disappointed with the direction that new music was taking. Hesse composed many works for two organists – known as four-hands – and this Fantasia is a prime example. It has many sections, and ends with a grand fugue. My thanks to Nico Tjoelker for playing with me, and to St Stephen’s Uniting Church for the venue. St Stephen’s has a 1934 Hill, Norman & Beard organ, which has just received a brand new console with an electron
