Musical contribution - D. Hart - February 2011

The original rhythmic version of this great German Lutheran hymn has provided inspiration for this arrangement.

Some years ago, I was commissioned by Johannus Orgelbouw to do a recording of their beautiful Monarke Organ in Hyattsville, Maryland. At that time, the company requested an improvisation for the recording. Since the church name itself was Redeemer Lutheran, we chose Ein’ feste Burg as the cantus firmus. Although we were quite pleased with the results, it became apparent that any reconstruction for many “Sunday morning organists” would be unfair!

Thus, I present this similar arrangement – containing the same rhythmic interest and registrational flair – as a viable alternative!

J David Hart
Fellow, American Guild of Organists