CONCERT-1st Congregational UCC-Decatur, IL. 6-27-25

It was a quite warm and stormy Friday Night in June in the Midwest, but there wasn’t a cloud in the ceiling for those who braved the heat and precipitation to hear the presentation of the renovated and restored Casavant Pipe Organ at First Congregational UCC Church in Decatur, Illinois.  I accepted the kind invitation of my friend Michael Waltenberger to “show” the organ to the congregation and community and enjoyed the whole experience tremendously!

The ”Lighter Fare” began with a couple of classics “Bach’s Sinfonia in D from Cantata 29” and Clokey’s “Bell Prelude” to show Baroque Choruses contrasted with chimes, string celestes and Diapason Choruses”.  With the Independence Day Holiday approaching it seemed appropriate to include Sousa’s Liberty Bell March and Handel’s Fireworks Music showing the Casavant’s throbbing theatrical tibias (imagination suggested!) and five miniature baroque ensembles.  A true highlight was when Michael Waltenberger joined on the Charles Walter upright piano for three fantastic Joel Raney piano/organ duets!  With the piano top opened up and Mike’s powerful playing, it sounded like a fine grand and balanced the organ beautifully.

For some summer fun, I lightened the program with some music from the ballpark with appropriate sounds.  As several remarked following, this organ has the resources to artfully and “faithfully” play so many different “schools” of organ playing.  A section I titled “Reverence” followed with some of the great hymns of the faith, “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “Be Thou My Vision”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Love Divine”.

To close—a “romp-ing” fast rendition of John Bull’s Rondo which pushed the congregation to the fellowship hall for a lovely assortment of cookies served on “Official Rodney Barbour Organ Concert Placemats”!

Thanks to Michael Waltenberger for being a perfect host and for organizing this event and wonderful opportunity!  I’ll remember this evening as one of the most “fun AND spiritual” programs of 2025! 

(“Men in Black!”)