Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

One of the best-known marches of John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) “America’s March King”, the Washington Post March has opened every one of our “Old Fashioned Fourth” concerts at Holy Spirit – including this one. (from 2019)

Gordon Balch Nevin (1892-1943) was an American composer, primarily living and working in western Pennsylvania.  In folklore, a “will o’ the wisp” is a strange ghostly light often seen by travelers late at night and often has sinister implications.  Modern science is more likely to explain it as bioluminescence or chemiluminescence – the famous “Marfa Lights” are a Texan will o’ the wisp.  Nevin’s “musical confection”, as one writer described this piece, doesn’t threaten very much but it certainly does tease. (from 2017)

Original Rags and The Entertainer
Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was the first famous black American composer and is best remembered for his contribution to ragtime.  Here are two of his most famous rags – while they were written for the piano, they translate well to the organ. (from 2015)

The hymn “How Great Thou Art”, derived from a Swedish folk tune and hymn text, is a great favorite among many churchgoers. Dale Wood (1934-2003) gives us a beautiful lush setting that shows of some of the quieter sounds of the organ. (from 2015).
Prelude on How Great Thou Art © 1993 The Sacred Music Press
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-735597. All rights reserved.

Dan Miller (b. 1954) is a well-known figure amongst American church musicians.  He has served as the organist at several major American churches and now is the tonal director for Rodgers Instruments, one of the leading builders of digital organs.  Here he takes an old Gospel hymn and has great fun doing some surprising things to it. (from 2015)
Count Your Blessings © 1994 Morningstar Music Publishers
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-735597. All rights reserved.

Armed Forces Medley, arr. Stephen J. Morris (b. 1956)
Every “Old Fashioned Fourth” concert at Holy Spirit has featured this medley of Armed Forces tunes.  In concert, we invite those with ties to each branch of the service to stand when that music is played.  You don’t need to at home, but you can if you want! (from 2019)