An early Christmas Present - New Music for a Classic Instrument

Rodgers® Digital Organs have a unique ability. When linked to Rodgers® MIDI modules they can play organ music with virtual orchestral accompaniments! Currently, however, there isn't much music composed for this unique instrumental arrangement.

Frog Music Press (www.frogmusic.com) is devoted to this niche and has been publishing scores for organists that enhance their music with orchestral arrangements. This year, the folks at Frog wanted something extra special, and they found it in the music of neoclassical composer, Tim Thompson. Tim is well known on the Internet for his lovely MIDI compositions that serve as soundtracks on his ClydeSight 2.0! Web site.

Noel Jones, of Frog Music, found Tim's album, Symphonia Felina and Other Mewsical Masterworks, at the ClydeSight Productions Web site (www.clydesight.com ) and didn't even wait to get his copy before contacting the composer. The samples he heard were enough to tell him that Tim was perfect for the Rodgers niche.

Noel asked Tim to compose something for Rodgers organists that "…had lots of brass and percussion— something exciting and new, yet suitable for a liturgical setting and the praise of God." Tim was intrigued with the idea and went to work. He composed Festival Prelude for Organ and Virtual Orchestra . Noel was delighted and it is now available to Rodgers organists world wide through the Frog Music Press Web site.

Says Tim, "I know organists and how much their gifts add to the worship service. I composed something that was easily playable, yet had an exciting and uplifting sound. I want the congregation to be spiritually inspired, and to appreciate the contributions organists make while also praising God for the glorious gift of music itself. I kept thinking of the phrase from Psalm 100—Make a joyful noise."

The five minute long Festival Prelude is composed in grand symphonic style—along the lines of Saint-Saens' "Organ Symphony". While Tim followed the classical model, he also arranged the Festival Prelude with some extras. It features a Zimblestern ("Cymbal star") track and the orchestra basses double the organ pedal part, giving added boost. The music is ideal for a variety of settings; Christmas, weddings, Easter; in Glorias, Processionals, Recessionals and more.

Tim Thompson's Festival Prelude for Organ and Virtual Orchestra is available in lead sheet score with MIDI controller files from Frog Music Press. Visitors to the Frog Music Press Web site( www.frogmusic.com) or the ClydeSight Productions Web site (www.clydesight.com ) can also hear an MP3 file of a performance.


ClydeSight Productions are creators of inspiring and entertaining music, multimedia and Web sites.