Horatio Parker’s Hora Novissima

Recorded live in 1994 during the Abendmusik series at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, of Lincoln, Nebraska, this choral/orchestral oratorio is the world premier stereo recording of an American masterpiece. Prior to WWI, it was the most popular choral work performed in the United States - even more popular than Handel’s Messiah. The work features The Abendmusik Chorus, The Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir, The Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, and soloists. Also included on this CD is the world premiere of Parker’s Concerto in E Flat Minor for Organ and Orchestra, featuring Stephen Krahn. Hailed as a monument of the early 20th Century, this piece is, at various times, dignified, beautiful, poignant, and imposing.

$20.00 

A Festival of Carols and Music for Royal Occasions

This delightful holiday CD is a collection of music from the "Festival of Lessons and Carols" services made famous at King’s College in Cambridge, England. World-renowned conductor and originator of the services, Sir David Willcocks, conducts the Abendmusik Chorus, The Plymouth Brass, Pueri Cantores, and Puellae Cantores, with Stephen Krahn at the organ in this live recording at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, of Lincoln in December of 1992. A treat for the holidays, this CD features much-loved standards such as Ding Dong! Merrily on High, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Jingle Bells. This CD also includes music for royal occasions.

    $10.00

Thomas Murray: Music of Schumann and Mendelssohn

Thomas Murray, Organ Professor at Yale University, fuses his considerable skill and artistry with the beauty and awesome range of the newly-built Schoenstein (Lied) Organ at First-Plymouth Congregational Church of Lincoln. This first recording using the Lied Organ includes 10 pieces by Schumann, and 8 by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Thomas Murray uses a full range of this grand instrument’s capabilities, and highlights his superior skill in registration. This CD is a must for organ aficionados.

    $18.00

Pleasant View Sampler

Recorded live at the premiere of this memorable work the sanctuary of First-Plymouth Congregational Church of Lincoln, Pleasant View Sampler takes the listener on a journey through the Heartland. Showcasing the Abendmusik Chorus, for whom the work was written, this CD includes the Lincoln East Singers, Quintessenz woodwind quintet, the Lied Organ (built by Schoenstein & Co., San Francisco) as well as featured soloists. With text by Randall E. Dinsdale describing the cycles of life, planting and harvest, the seasons, and sunrise to sunset, Lincoln composers Boyd Bacon, James Neal Koudelka, Dr. Brian Pfoltner, and Jack Rinke each stitch a unique piece of music in this hymn-cycle as beautiful and varied as the sampler quilt which shares its name. Each hymn of this work will strike a chord of familiarity for anyone whose heart carries the pioneer spirit.

$10.00 

Symphomania!: Symphonic Organ Masterpieces
featuring Frederick Hohman

This second CD recording using the Lied Organ at First-Plymouth Congregational Church of Lincoln explores another capacity of the great depth and versatility of a truly awe-inspiring instrument. Frederick Hohman specializes in symphonic organ transcriptions, or music of the great symphony orchestras re-written and played on the organ. The Lied Organ is especially suited for this style of organ playing, as it has such a wide range of musical colors, instruments, and precision dynamic controls. This CD includes Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s Hebrides Overture (otherwise known as Fingal’s Cave), Victor Herbert’s March of the Toys from "Babes in Toyland," and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, with transcriptions by Edwin H. Lemare and Charles Macpherson, as well as those of Frederick Hohman. This CD will surprise and delight the listener every time with Mr. Hohman’s incredibly entertaining (as well as precise) style.

$15.00

Songs For The Journey: A Celebration in Song

Songs for the Journey was recorded at First-Plymouth Congregational Church of Lincoln during the Abendmusik Series concert of the same name on April 30, 2000. Featuring the Abendmusik Chorus with Concordia University A Cappella Choir, Lincoln Lutheran Choir, Union College Unionaires, and The Plymouth Brass, this hymn-festival brought songs of faith old and new to a delighted audience. Master of hymn-festivals nationwide, Dr. John Ferguson of St. Olaf lent his creative influence planning repertoire and playing his own transcriptions on the organ. These great hymns of faith from all seasons of the church year include: A Mighty Fortress; The Church’s One Foundation; O Come, All Ye Faithful; and All Creatures of Our God and King. All hymn lovers will be roused and comforted by these songs of praise and thanksgiving.

$10.00  

Eight Garden Steps

Stroll through this garden path with The Abendmusik Chorus and Ensemble Galilei (Celtic Ensemble). Erik Erickson’s Eight Stages of Human Development sprouted these Taoist meditations by author and poet, Randall E. Dinsdale for eight regional composers. Ben Allaway, Sarah Elizabeth Vaughn, Boyd Bacon, Ky T. Hascall, James Neal Koudelka, Brian K. Pfoltner, Jean Henderson, and Jack J. Rinke each cultivated and nourished a song seedling. Ensemble Galilei gently pruned each edge with their own works between each precious plant. Relax, inhale deeply with your spirit, dance in the leaves, and bask in the pure simple joy of creation. The concert was recorded at First-Plymouth Congregational Church of Lincoln.

(If you find yourself in the vicinity of First-Plymouth Church, U.C.C., be sure to stop in the prayer chapel where eight corresponding paintings by Nadine McHenry are on display for enjoyment and meditation.)

$10.00

Charles W. Ore, From My Perspective IV Hymns Of Praise

Includes compositions written between 1986 and 2001 for choir, congregation, solo organ, diverse instruments and recorded on the Lied Organ at First Plymouth Congregational of Lincoln, and at Strauss Performing Arts Center in Omaha. Contents include: (Bold indicates First-Plymouth recording) When In Our Music God Is Glorified; Praise God In His Temple; Gaze In Amazement; At The Lamb’s High Feast; EIGHT: Entrance, Flight, Diversion I, Procession I, Excursion, Procession II, Diversion II, Exit; Brother James’ Air/The Ash Grove; O Day Full Of Grace; A Time And A Purpose; What A Friend We Have In Jesus.

$12.00  

Jack Rinke's Solace

Anyone who knows First-Plymouth Church music has heard the name Jack Rinke. Jack has been a resident composer at First-Plymouth Church for several years, writing music for the adult choir, as well as special commissions for Abendmusik. (His work is included on the Pleasant View Sampler CD.) In this first solo CD of his own piano compositions, Jack displays a subtle artistry that has quickly endeared him to listeners and put him on the top of everyone’s favorite CD list. This recording will take you on an ever-changing journey with its energy and beautiful melodies. The more you listen to each selection, the more details you hear. Get your copy today and you will understand what we mean when we say that Jack Rinke has given America the music their hearts have been asking for.

$15.00

Jack Rinke's A Simple Noelle

A Simple Noelle is Jack Rinke's second solo CD; and is an excellent compliment to his first CD, Solace. A Simple Noelle combines traditional holiday selections and original compositions - all arranged and performed by Jack. From the energetic "Carol of the Bells" to the thoughtful "Winterhope" to the haunting "Walking in the Air," this is music for the piano that has the power to lifts the spirit and calms the soul during what, for many people, is a hectic time of the year. Words cannot adequately describe the melodic beauty, technical skill, and simple joy of Jack's playing. This truly is "a gift that will keep on giving" for many years to come.

$15.00

Brian Pfoltner Light From Out Of Darkness

A compilation of live recordings made at First-Plymouth Congregational church from 2001 - 2006, including many performers and conductors who took part in weekly worship services and performances of the Abendmusik: Lincoln concert series.

During his membership with the Plymouth Brass at First-Plymouth Church, Brian served as both performer and composer/arranger-in-residence for the ensemble. Since joining the group in 1993, he wrote and arranged over 50 works, ranging from brass quintets to large brass ensembles, organ and chorus. He also conducted and arranged for the growing Plymouth Youth Ensemble. In addition, Dr. Pfoltner has been an active performer with groups such as the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble. He is also a past conductor of the Lincoln Community Concert Band. Dr. Pfoltner is currently serving as the Director of Music at First-Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

$10.00

Dr. John Cummins Bravo Dolce!

In spring, 2007, former Minister of Music, Dr. John Cummins, recorded the opening program for this new Pro Organo CD entitled "BRAVO DOLCE!" There have been many recordings of this landmark Schoenstein organ - which, by the way, now celebrates its 10th year - and this organ has also been the subject of many articles and essays on the topic of symphonic organ design. In this program, we have a chance to hear the instrument as it renders with flair and stylistic integrity the music from diverse periods and styles. From the Age of Bach to the 20th-century, John Cummins shows that he has both first class virtuoso technique as well as a strong sense of color in registration.

$15.00