Course content
During three and a half days, the 13th century parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the stately Goms district capital of Münster will provide the magical setting for this year's organ courses.
Introductory course: Participants will familiarise themselves with the special features of the historical organ and its playing style: Construction, short octave, historical fingerings, tempo and articulation will be topics. A prepared piece (of choice, from the period from approx. 1470 - 1700) will give all participants the opportunity to make initial practical contact with the instrument.
Advanced course: Intensive group work on prepared works from the above-mentioned period on the topics of posture, fingering, articulation, tempo and spatial sound, pedal use, affect, alternatim practice and other questions according to the needs of the players. Individual practice times and singing complete the programme. For this course, attendance of the introductory course, last year's Gommer organ course or proof of appropriate previous training is required.
You will bring a few prepared pieces of your choice from the 15th - end of the 17th century, geographically located in Spain, Italy, Portugal, southern Germany, England, France (the course leader will be happy to advise you) and immerse yourself in a historical, fascinating sound. In addition to the work, there will be time to explore the wonderful mountain landscape or hike along the young Rhone. A visit to another historic organ in Goms is also planned for 2 August.
Final concert by the participants of the advanced course: 25 July at 18.00
Introductory and advanced courses can be attended individually or together.
Course leader
Ursula Heim Concert organist and former cantor of St Paul's Church in Bern
Target audience
The course is aimed at organ players of all ages and all levels of training who are curious about their own practical experience of a historical instrument and would like to expand their skills and repertoire individually in this direction.
We will discuss your concerns and ideas at the start of the course. Those enrolled will receive literature suggestions on request and submit their prepared works (in pdf format) to the course leader by 30 May.
Accommodation
Hotel Croix d`Or et Poste / Schweizer Historisches Hotel, Münster