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Details
Format: Digital Audio CD
Label: PRO ORGANO
Catalog Number: CD 7032
Length: 65′ 17″
Tracks: 11
Organ: Fisk
Venue: Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Texas USA
Recorded: 08/26/1997
Released: 11/30/1997
Producer: Frederick Hohman
Notes Author: John Balka
Notes Language: English
Graphics Format: 8pp book, traycard, jewel box
UPC #: 636077703225
This album and its tracks are available digitally from the following streaming and download sources:
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Christianity and the Arts “Taking each individual piece as an entity, the listener can find great satisfaction. However, hearing the whole program at once is tiring on the ear since there is little dynamic relief. The disc is, nevertheless, highly recommended.” – Morgan Simmons
The American Record Guide “The best of the lot is his Mulet – top-notch in every way. … Balka has solid credentials, and his playing is respectable and conservative. The selections on this disc allow us to assess the capabilities of this fine symphony hall installation.“ – Metz – May/June 1998
The Organ There are some who say that such romantic music should only be played on a romantic organ. Rubbish! To hear the sheer clarity of sound on this mechanical action organ, and in such a programme, shows what can be done by an expert… I did enjoy this work and do recommend it. – BSt-JN
01 • L’Ange à la Trompette • Jacques Charpentier • 8’49”
02 • La Nativité from Three Evangelical Poems • Jean Langlais • 5’26”
03 • Dialogue sur les Mixtures from Suite Breve • Jean Langlais • 2’56”
04 • from Symphonie-Passion, Opus 23 – Crucifixion • Marcel Dupré • 8’2″
05 • from Symphonie-Passion, Opus 23 – The World Awaiting the Saviour • Marcel Dupré • 6’40”
06 • In Paradisum • Daniel Lesur • 4’47”
07 • Litanies • Jehan Alain • 4’34”
08 • Romance from Fourth Organ Symphony, Opus 32 • Louis Vierne • 7’49”
09 • Carillon de Westminster from Pièces de Fantaisie, Third Suite, Opus 54 • Louis Vierne • 6’3″
10 • Tu es Petra (“Thou art the Rock”) from Byzantine Sketches • Henri Mulet • 4’37”
11 • Toccata en Ré majeur • Marcel Lanquetuit • 4’51”
This biographical sketch for the late John Balka was current as of the release date of this recording. Recipient of national critical acclaim and numerous academic and professional awards, John Balka maintains an active, wide ranging commitment to concerts, broadcasts, recording, teaching, lectures, and to the music of the church. Since his introduction to the organ by Frank Asper at age five in John’s native Idaho, his life and career have been constantly linked to the organ. He has held liturgical/musical posts in Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma, but his career achievements are highlighted by his tenure as Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. At St. Mary’s, John welcomed a wide variety of guest musicians from around the world, and collaborated with musicians and liturgists for Divine Worship as well as for public concerts and civic observances. He was named Music Director for the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to San Francisco, and conducted a Papal Mass with over 300 musicians and a singing congregation of more than 70,000. A strong supporter and tireless advocate for AIDS-related causes, he was instrumental in establishing awareness of St. Mary’s Cathedral as a center for nurturing and prayer, and was a key organizer for benefit concert performances there, most notably the popular Virtuoso Organist series. Upon leaving St. Mary’s, John was the recipient of the Cathedral’s prestigious Assumpta Award for his contribution to the “beauty and artistic excellence of the Cathedral’s life in San Francisco.” John Balka has founded and conducted Pontifical Choirs in Oklahoma City, Toledo, and San Francisco; his organ recital tours have taken him to North and South America as well as to Europe. He is an active member of the American Guild of Organists and a founding member of the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians. John now serves as Director of Sacred Music and Organist at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Austin, Texas, where he leads a music program that includes five choirs singing in three languages. Under his direction, the Cathedral of Saint Mary has maintained and restored the traditions of Gregorian Chant and of sung Masses using the choral settings of the great music masters. He also formed the Cathedral’s Schola Cantorum, a world-class choral ensemble that has been highly praised and revered throughout the Austin community.
