The D. A. Flentrop organ at St. Mark's Cathedral, completed in 1965, is one of the largest mechanical action organs in the Western Hemisphere and is considered a landmark instrument.
Composition History
Pamela Decker's 'Río abajo río' was commissioned by the American Guild of Organists specifically for these performances and is dedicated to the memory of William Albright.
Performer Biography
Christa Rakich has won prizes at international organ competitions, including Bruges in 1976, and has taught at the New England Conservatory, University of Connecticut, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard.
Instruments
In 1991, the Flentrop organ underwent a renovation that replaced old electric components with modern solid-state versions, updated the key action, and added three new speaking stops.
Performer Biography
Christa Rakich, the organist on this recording, earned degrees from Oberlin College and the New England Conservatory, and was a Fulbright scholar who studied with Anton Heiller in Vienna.
Instruments
The acoustics of St. Mark's Cathedral were renovated in 1997 by removing carpeting and adding a new West wall, which improved reverberation time and clarity for the organ.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded live in recital in July 2000 at the American Guild of Organists National Convention held at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, Washington.
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