Testimonials about SIFOS

Summer Institute for French Organ Studies - 2009

By Tim Wissler

The 2009 Summer Institute for French Organ Studies took place in Bordeaux and Épernay from May 25 to June 5. Participants for the two week course were Michael Levitt (NYC), Gregory Peterson (Decorah, IA), Patrick Scott (Austin, TX), Timothy Wissler (Atlanta, GA), Marilyn Witte (Lancaster, PA), and Andrew Yeargin (NYC). Elaine Mann (Chippewa Falls, WI) joined the course in its second week.

Begun in 1986 by organ builder Gene Bedient and Professor Jesse Eschbach from the faculty of the University of North Texas, the Summer Institute is designed to give a select number of participants an accurate perspective on the French organ and culture of the 17 th –19 th centuries. By focusing on just two instruments, participants become familiar with the instruments and perform in public concerts at the end of the week. Each day includes lectures, a performance seminar and ample practice time.

The first week was held on the 5 manual Dom Bedos organ at the Abbey Church of Ste-Croix in Bordeaux. The instrument was built around 1744 and later moved to the Cathedral of Ste André in Bordeaux at the time of the revolution. In 1997, the French organbuilder, Pascal Quoirin, completed an extensive and impressive reconstruction with the return of the instrument to Ste-Croix. Morning lectures by Mr. Bedient addressed the mechanics of the organ, wind pressure, pipe construction and temperament. Dr. Eschbach lectured on the historical context, repertoire, ornamentation and registration. The daily performance seminar featured participants performing assigned repertoire in preparation for the public concert at the end of the week. The concluding concert of the first week included works by François Couperin, Du Mage, de Grigny and Dandrieu.

The second week took place in the “champagne” city of Épernay at the church of Notre Dame with its 1869 instrument built by Cavaillé-Coll. Morning lectures by Mr. Bedient began by following the French Classic tradition of organ building to the 19 th century. Specific topics dealt with winding, pipework, voicing, key and stop action of Cavaillé-Coll organs. Dr. Eschbach explored the evolution of 19 th century church music in France and connected the organ repertoire to the instruments, specifications and mechanical assists. In the final concert the participants performed Franck's Grand Pièce Symphonique and Prélude, Fugue et Variation, Mulet's Tu is petra , Vierne's Adagio ( Troisième Symphonie ), Guilmant's Pastorale ( Première Sonate ), and Dupré's Prélude et Fugue in Sol Mineur. During this week participants were also able to practice on Cavaillé-Coll's 1897 instrument at the Church of Ste-Pierre et Ste-Paul also in Épernay.

The scholarly information given by Gene Bedient and Jesse Eschbach along with the inspiring performances of the participants made for an exciting two weeks. The intense daily studies were complemented with festive gourmet evening meals at restaurants selected by Gene and Gwen Bedient. The two-week Institute promotes a professional and supportive esprit de corps among participants and leaders. To learn more about SIFOS and preparations for the 2011 Institute, visit the Bedient Organ Company web site at bedientorgan.com.