Comments on: Advent 2009: “We Must Adore Thee,” Willy Reske (arranger)

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:47:50 +0000

That’s been my uniform observation, Mark.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:40:37 +0000

I suspect it all has to do with Br. Reske’s time in Brooklyn. Brings out the best in a person!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:38:57 +0000

I’m so tickled! Three of our musicians agree that finally this series has turned up a worthwhile piece to drag back into the light!

Now I’m going to have to find someone to play it for me to hear.

By: Coffinberry

Coffinberry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:26:22 +0000

Oh yes. This is a keeper.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:42:40 +0000

I agree, Researcher. The piece is interesting, without being gimicky. And it has a simple folk-like quality to it that is appealing and singable. Thanks!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:19:38 +0000

Hurrah! At least it sounds as though you think it might be usable.

I’m also glad to know that Willy Reske is a known name.

By: Researcher

Researcher — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:55:53 +0000

Nice. You have a winner! This is the sort of piece that would be a hit with your standard Mormon congregation, and since it comes from a French carol, even the snobs and music purists among us would have a hard time turning up their (our) collective noses at it, although it is a bit more on the Janice Kapp Perry end of the spectrum of church music than some would probably prefer. And, as a curiosity, there is a surprising echo or two of the song Aloha Oe. Although many congregations have difficulty finding and keeping talented organists, there is a sizeable, talented, and professional organ community within the church, with many people like Reske holding positions as organists in large churches or at universities around the country. Some are composers, like Reske, (I regularly use his arrangement of "I Need Thee Every Hour" for organ prelude) and some of their output can be found on sites like wardorganist.com.