ABOUT HYMNPROVISATIONS - definitive organ arrangements for EASTER

HYMNPROVISATIONS is a CD of glorious and powerfully original improvisations on well known hymns by Keith Thompson on the organ of the Takoma Park (Maryland) Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The original organ at Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church was a 42-rank, four manual instrument built by Ernest M. Skinner which was originally installed at Town Hall in New York City. In 1980 the church experienced a fire which ultimately resulted in a rebuilding of the organ in 1986 by Goulding and Wood of Indianapolis. Several of the E. M. Skinner ranks (most notably the beautiful Flute Celeste in the Choir Organ, the 16' Bourdon in the Great, and the 16' Violone and Subbass in the Pedal) survived the fire and were incorporated into the new instrument which now consists of 45-ranks distributed over three manuals and pedal. The organ, since these recordings were made, has been expanded to include several digital voices in the pedal along with a new harp and chimes, and most recently a Trompette-en-Chamade was added as the crowning touch to this elegant instrument.

THE PLAYLIST
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HymnProvisations
  1. Christ The Lord is Risen Today, 3:03;
  2. Children of the Heavenly Father, 3:11
  3. O When Shall I See Jesus, 3:26;
  4. O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go, 4:29;
  5. This is My Father's World, 4:56;
  6. Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, 5:11;
  7. How Great Thou Art, 6:26 ;
  8. Holy, Holy, Holy! 7:18;
  9. Far Away in the Depths 5:31;
  10. Praise Him, Praise Him! 2:23;
  11. Kumbaya, 5:51;
  12. Abide With Me, 3:46;
  13. A Mighty Fortress is Our God, 5:23.

Visit Apple iTunes and join hundreds of downloaders of Keith Thompson's definitive organ versions of the great Easter hymns Christ The Lord is Risen Today! and A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

HYMNPROVISATIONS
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Click here for A King's Christmas CD / Link to Apple iTunes - Brilliant playing of the classic Christmas music of Bach, Dupre and Mulet and improvisations of loved Christmas songs. Destined to be a CHRISTMAS STANDARD.
Click here for Organ Fireworks CD and Link to Apple iTunes - Keith Thompson celebrates American music written for the organ or transcribed to the organ by American composers and arrangers.
Keith Thompson
Keith Thompson is one of the few organists who can draw the listener in to the musical thrill of all the organ has to offer. Keith Thompson is a "musical treasure." - Edward M. Stout, III Organ curator.
Click here for a calendar of Keith Thompson's San Francisco Appearances

Keith Thompson began playing the piano at the age of four and the organ at the age of seven. He played his first public concert at the age of 11 to an audience of 1500. He has placed in several American and European organ competitions, including being one of the top four finalists in the most prestigious International Concours d'Orgue, Grand Prix de Chartres.

While living in Maryland (1987-1997), Mr. Thompson was Associate Musician and Organist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Kensington and served two years on the Maryland Arts Council Music Panel.

In 1994 and 1996, Keith performed for the gala opening and during the Christmas season at the White House, playing the Bess Truman Steinway, a piano which rests on the backs of three gold leaf American eagles.

Keith made his debut on the magnificent Skinner Symphonic organ at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco on Easter 2001 and was subsequently appointed to the staff. Keith spent a sabbatical year at Central Union Church, Honolulu, HI.

Keith has returned to northern California and may be heard regularly at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Castro Theater, San Francisco. Reviews of his 2004 appearances as guest organist and recitalist at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco are excerpted below.

From the San Francisco Chapter, American Guild of Organist January 2004 Newsletter: "In the aftermath of [a cancellation] the San Francisco chapter was very fortunate to have an organist in our own ranks capable of stepping up to the plate and delivering on three day's notice. And deliver in style, he did. Keith Thompson [...] played a stunning recital on the 1998 Austin / Murray Harris / Erben organ of St. Mary's College Chapel in Moraga."

Comments - Grace Cathedral 2004 appearances: "Brrrravo! Not since G. Donald Harrison himself have the registrations of the [Grace Cathedral Organ] sounded so good. Your registrations really brought out some excitement And, yes, I did notice that you were flying without a net on the Vierne (or, in this case, without music). Way to go! In appreciation," - D.R., a parishioner June 2004

"The organ music was again spectacular the last two weeks. ... I can't say enough about the way your playing moves the soul." B.R. an organ curator listening to the service netcast. June 2004

"Thank you [Grace Cathedral Staff] for the fantastic recital Sunday with Keith Thompson. It was the best recital I have heard at your church." Douglas R. Sep. 2004.

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