GERRE HANCOCK & JUDITH HANCOCK, Duo Organists B… · Web viewGerre and Judith Hancock. Duo Organists. ... and a virtuoso in the best sense of that tired word. ... J.S. Bach, six

Gerre and Judith HancockPress Book

GERRE AND JUDITH HANCOCKDuo Organists

Gerre and Judith Hancock have lived and worked together under the same roof for so

many years, it is only natural that they should enjoy playing duo recitals together. Their

programs are a mix of solo pieces by each artist, duets, and an improvisation by Gerre

Hancock.

Drs. Gerre Hancock and Judith Hancock direct the Organ Performance and Sacred

Music Center programs at The University of Texas at Austin, where both Professors are

creating a Center for Studies in Sacred Music, a graduate program incorporating organ and/or

conducting performance degrees with emphases in sacred music. Prior to this appointment,

he was Organist and Master of the Choristers at St. Thomas Church in New York City. He

has served on the faculty of The Juilliard School and taught improvisation on a visiting basis

at the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University and The Eastman School of Music.

Famous for his choral conducting, his fine compositions for choir and organ, and his witty,

musical and electrifying improvisations, he is one of America’s most popular concert

organists. His educational background included the University of Texas, Union Theological

Seminary in New York City and study in Paris. He has been awarded the Doctor of Music

degree by Nashotah House Seminary and by the University of the South, and the doctor of

Divinity degree by the General Theological Seminary in New York.

Gerre and Judith HancockPress Book, page 2

It was at Union Seminary that he met his wife, who had come to New York after

graduating from Syracuse University, where she studied with the renowned Arthur Poister.

Judith Hancock is a member of the Faculty of the School of Music at the University of Texas

at Austin, where with her husband, she teaches sacred music. Several years ago, Ms.

Hancock established an on-going series of organ recitals at St. Thomas in New York,

performing several times during each season. Recent series have included music for trumpet

and organ, “Two Organists at One Keyboard” (performed with Gerre Hancock), “The Great

German Tradition” and “The Great French Tradition.” In 2004 she was awarded the degree

Doctor of Sacred Music (Honoris causa) from St. Dunstan’s College of Sacred Music,

Providence, Rhode Island.

Both Hancocks appear on CDs produced by Decca/Argo, Koch International, Priory

Records and Gothic Records.

Current as of August 2007


GERRE HANCOCKPress Notices

WASHINGTON DC “With his extraordinary genius in this art and the resources of the cathedral organ, Hancock poured out one of the most thrilling moments heard on any organ recital, with a peroration of indescribable brilliance.”

The American Organist

“… a triumph of creativity … dazzling.”The Washington Post

CHICAGO “HANCOCK IMPROVISES WITH MASTERY” ... “He is an organist in the grand tradition ...”

Chicago Sun-Times

CLEVELAND “ORGANIST’S PERFORMANCE BRINGS THE AUDIENCE TO ITS FEET”The Plain Dealer

SALT LAKE CITY “This New York-based musician thoroughly entertained, amused and amazed a full house of concertgoers.”

The Salt Lake Tribune

CALGARY “… a splendid feat of musical imagination …”The Calgary Herald

BUFFALO “A formidable virtuoso with a breadth of artistic equipment.”Buffalo Evening News

ATLANTA “One of the great masters of improvisation ...”The Atlanta Constitution

HOUSTON “CLASSICAL ORGANIST EXCELS ON A HEROIC SCALE” ... “Hancock then gave a virtuoso account of his inventive talents, improvising a lengthy four movement organ sonata on six themes..."

Houston Post

MIAMI “Mr. Hancock is a bold and daring organist who has a fantastic facility with the pedals and an exceptionally strong technique. He likes to perform works full of color and exuberance, and has a flair for getting brilliant effects.”

Miami Herald

ANN ARBOR “The program concluded with one of Hancock’s famous, indescribably athletic improvisations, which rightly brought the audience to its feet in an unsubduable outpouring of almost incredulous admiration."


NASHVILLE “It was a magnificent recital from every standpoint ... truly stupendous technique that left the listener breathless.”

Nashville Banner


JACKSONVILLE (IL) “HANCOCK PERFORMANCE SUPERB”Jacksonville Journal Courier

LONG BEACH “Not only the organists, but every member of Tuesday’s audience, came away the richer for having heard Gerre Hancock. He is a sophisticated musician, an unerring technician, and a virtuoso in the best sense of that tired word.”

Press Telegram

WORCESTER “Radiating tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the music ... Hancock showed a rare ability to combine control with a spirited sense of showmanship and flair. An obviously enthralled audience ... rose to their feet to give a richly deserved standing ovation.”

Worcester Telegram

NORFOLK “If the details of the four movements [improvised symphony] were individually interesting, it was the pacing and proportions of the whole work that made it so thrilling. All elements were in balance, and manipulated to build to the final moments.”

The Virginia Pilot

AUSTIN “The most impressive work in terms of startling musical bulk was Reger’s Fantasy and Fugue on BACH, Opus 46. Hancock gave an extraordinarily intelligent and exciting performance of the piece, proving his ability to slip inside the skin of an often misunderstood composer and burst out of it again to serve the music with his own balanced originality.”

Austin-American Statesman

LAWRENCE “Mr. Hancock is an honest virtuoso; he genuinely enjoys playing the organ. A spectacular technique allows him to give sensitive, heartfelt readings ... The whole program was so dazzling that the only appropriate response seemed to be ‘wow!’”


LONDON, ENGLAND “At Westminster Cathedral, Gerre Hancock showed himself to be an organ colorist in the great tradition of Lynwood Farnum.”

The London Times

EDMONTON, ALBERTA “Displaying virtuosic technique and uncanny musicianship he turned the comparatively new mechanical organ inside out in his delineation of diverse pieces. In so doing he explored the instrument's every possible tonal facility.”

Edmonton Journal


RECORDING REVIEWS

Great Organs of New York (B&V Recordings) “... Gerre Hancock in one of his now almost legendary improvisations ...”


On a Sunday Afternoon, Volume 2 (JAV Recordings)“Hancock is brilliantly successful.”

The Organists’ Review

“A symphonic improvisation of nearly 29 minutes occupies the second half of this splendid program. It is wonderful playing, and we are fortunate to have it available to hear again and again.”

The Diapason

Fanfare (Gothic Records) “... a legend among organ recitalists and a titan among improvisers.”

American Record Guide

Christmas Improvisations (Gothic Records)

“… musical through and through …”American Record Guide

“Hancock takes some pages from his book on improvisation and lives up to the best possibilities of this ephemeral art by providing inspiring and exciting listening for any month or season.”


“… Dr. Hancock’s powerful imagination and sense of form … his playing and musicianship are on the highest level.”

The Organists’ Review

“Certainly when one thinks of the great organ improvisers of our day, one’s thoughts must turn to Gerre Hancock … The present recording provides us with sterling examples from a true master of the art of improvisation. Highly recommended.”

The Diapason


JUDITH HANCOCKPress Notices

NEW YORK CITY “In Liszt’s Ad nos, ad salutarem undam and the Te Deum Paraphrase by Dupré, Mrs. Hancock exploited … both the grandeur and grandiosity of the St. Thomas’s organ and its giant space. Indeed, she played these pieces with unusual virtuosity and forcefulness.”

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES (National Convention of the American Guild of Organists – 2004) “In Ms. Hancock’s hands the whole work (Petr Eben’s Sunday Music) is a sparkling jewel.”


WASHINGTON DC “Brilliant technique, skillful registration.”The American Organist

KANSAS CITY “Judith Hancock closed the evening with Reubke. Forceful in every way, at once moving, dispelling, subtle ...” The Kansas City Times

CLEVELAND “... virtuoso performer ...” The Cleveland Press

CINCINNATI “Two Mozart Sonatas for organ and strings again reminded us very forcibly that Judy Hancock is probably Gerre Hancock’s most ‘dangerous’ rival … whirlwind digital and pedal skills ...” The Cincinnati Enquirer

CHARLESTON WV “The Duruflé was brilliantly performed from first to last – ranging from a just-right unfolding of the mysterious, quiet opening of the prelude to a staggering display of virtuosity in the fugue.” Charleston Gazette

PALO ALTO “... how elegantly Mrs. Hancock played ...” Palo Alto Times

BRIDGEPORT “Mrs. Hancock made the finale as stirring as the actual experience of a Bastille Day parade in Paris – fireworks, cannons, marching troops, cheering crowds.”

Bridgeport Post

“Judith Hancock’s performances are thrilling …” Church Music Quarterly


RECORDING REVIEWS

Poulenc Organ Concerto (KOCH KIC CD 7558)“Judith Hancock’s fleetly, incisive, spellbinding, hair-raising performance, fraught with unaccustomed eeriness and rife with sinister grandeur, overtops in spades the likes of Anthony Newman, Simon Preston, Philippe Lefebvre, Gillian Weir, Michael Murray, or even Maurice Duruflé and Marie-Claire Alain … an enthusiastic recommendation.”

Fanfare

Dupré, 15 Pieces Founded on Antiphons ; Eben, Sunday Music “Technically she is superb; the challenges posed by both works are handled with complete brio. Further, the clarity of her playing … is in the highest possible league of achievement.” Fanfare

“Hancock has a feel for these pieces that comes through. Her playing is clean and accurate, and she captures the drama and excitement well.”


“Ms. Hancock plays with deep love and capable conviction. It’s a superb demonstration of a player and instrument.” The American Organist

“…Ms. Hancock performs the subdued pieces of this set with classic elegance, discreet shaping of the line and controlled but fluid rhythmic flow.” The Living Church

“Ms. Hancock tackles these short pieces with flair, imagination and assuredness.”Organists’ Review

Great Cathedral Anthems XI (Priory PRCD 629) “Mrs. Hancock’s brilliant accompaniments ensure that magnificent organ is heard to maximum effect.” The Organ Magazine

Christ the Fair Glory (Koch International)“… Judith Hancock’s literally earth-shaking renderings of Tournemire’s magical, mischievous improvisations on Victimae Paschali and Peter Planyavsky’s delightfully demented, scurrying Toccata-Rumba are more than worth a few visits … virtuoso playing.” Classics Today

Popular Organ Music 5 (Priory) “… she is a formidable recitalist. Her playing is fluent and coherent …”


“Judy is, as always, in superb form both in solid technique and in stylistic interpretation.”The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians

The St. Thomas Tradition (Priory) “Judith Hancock’s performances are thrilling …” Church Music Quarterly


GERRE HANCOCKDiscography

ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON, VOL. 2: Live Organ Concerts at Washington National Cathedral, 2003 JAV RecordingsIncludes: improvisation on the Hymne Victimae Paschali Laudes - J.S. Bach, six Schübler Chorales - Sowerby, Canon, Chacony and Fugue - Improvised Symphony on Submitted Themes.

CHRISTMAS IMPROVISATIONS – Gothic RecordsIncludes: Personet hodie, Angels we have heard on high, I saw three ships, Go, tell it on the

mountain and others.

Using the new organ in the gallery of St. Thomas Church, Dr. Hancock takes eight familiar Christmas melodies improvising on each to provide a new sound to the traditional melodies.

FANFARE – Gothic RecordsImprovisation - Fanfare; Fantasie in G Major, S. 572, J. S. Bach - Hymne de'Orgue: "Veni

Creator" (Veni Creator, en taille à 5, Fugue à 5, Duo, Recit de Cromorne, Dialogue sur les Grands Jeux), Nicolas de Grigny – Improvisation; Hymn Tune "St. Clement;" - Improvisation in Free Form – Improvisation; Hymn Tune "St. Denio" - Fantasie and Fugue on the name of B-A-C-H, Op. 46, Max Reger.

IMPROVISATION II on Ten Hymn TunesIncludes: A mighty fortress is our God, Were you there when they crucified my Lord?, What child is this? and others.

This critically acclaimed recording was made using the Chancel Organ of St. Thomas Church. Available on LP only. (Special quantity rates also apply.) When ordering this recording only, please make check payable to Gerre Hancock.

FROM THE SAINT THOMAS CHOIR DISCOGRAPHY

A CAPPELLA II FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCHKoch International Digital Recording

The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, Judith Hancock, organist. Works of Sowerby, Noble, Ossewaarde, Parker, Wood, Gray, Stanford, Guilmant, and others. (2001)

AMERICAN MUSIC FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCHKoch International Classics Digital CD

The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s. Gerre Hancock, Conductor, Judith Hancock, Organist. Works of Locklair, Piston and Thompson. (2002

GABRIEL FAURE, REQUIEM , FRANCIS POULENC, CONCERTO IN G MINOR FOR ORGAN, ORCHESTRA AND TYMPANI

Koch International Digital RecordingThe Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s, Judith Hancock, Organist. Gerre Hancock, Director. (2003).

The Music OfficeSt. Thomas Church1 W. 53rd StreetNew York, NY 10019212/757-7013

Gothic RecordsPO Box 6406Anaheim, CA [email protected]/999-1061

JAV Recordings43 Wellington CourtBrooklyn, NY 11230www.pipeorgancds.com


JUDITH HANCOCKDiscography

SUNDAY MUSICOrgan works of Peter Eben and Marcel Dupré.Recorded at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New YorkA Gothic Digital Recording (G-49110)

POPULAR ORGAN MUSICWorks of J.S. Bach, Karg-Elert, Mozart, Sowerby and Ginastera.Recorded at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New YorkA Priory Records Digital Recording (PRCD 599)

THE SAINT THOMAS TRADITIONSolo organ works by Marcel Dupré: Prelude and Fugue in G minor, Op. 7, no. 3 andPrelude and Fugue in B major, Op. 7, no. 1.Recorded at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New YorkA Priory Records Digital Recording

A CAPPELLA II FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCHThe Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, Judith Hancock, organist. Works of Sowerby, Noble, Ossewaarde, Parker, Wood, Gray, Stanford, Guilmant, and others. (2001)Koch International Digital Recording (3-7351-2H1)

AMERICAN MUSIC FROM SAINT THOMAS CHURCHThe Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s,Judith Hancock, Organist. Works of Locklair, Piston and Thompson. (2002).Koch International Classics Digital CD

GABRIEL FAURE, REQUIEM, Francis Poulenc, Concerto in G Minor for Organ, Orchestra and Tympani

The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys with The Orchestra of Saint Luke’s,Judith Hancock, Organist. (2003). Koch International Digital Recording


GERRE HANCOCKPrinted Music

* = Brass parts available upon request from the publisher

CHORAL MUSIC

Song Title Arranger/Composer

Publisher Cat. # Year

Deep River Hancock Hal Leonard Co. F2273 1989

Missa Resurrectionis Hancock Oxford University Press 94.213 1976

Teach Me, My God and King Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/Warner Bros. Publications

3381 1977

*Go Ye Therefore Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/Warner Bros. Publications

3331 1975

Kindle the Gift of God Hancock Oxford University Press 94.298 1999

*Introit for a Feast Day Hancock Galleon Press 3012.13 1992

Judge Eternal Hancock Oxford University Press 94228 1988

*A Song to the Lamb Hancock Oxford University Press 98.201 2000

*Christ Has Conquered (Christus vincit)

NoyonArr. Hancock

Oxford University Press 94232 1991

Out of the Deep, Psalm 130 Hancock H.W. Gray/C.P.P. Belwin/Warner Bros. Publications

2798 1964

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Hancock Oxford University Press 94.296 1999

Eternal God Hancock Oxford University Press 94.244 1993

The Lord will surely come Hancock Oxford University Press 94.245 1993

O Lord our Govenor Hancock Oxford University Press 94.267 1998

O King Enthroned on High Hancock Oxford University Press 94.268 1998

O be Joyful in the Lord Hancock Oxford University Press 94.249 1995

Preces and Responses Hancock Paraclete Press 09712 1997

Come, ye lofty. Come, ye lowly Hancock Oxford University Press 94.266 1998


Christ Our Passover Oxford University Press 94.203 2000

Earthquake, Wind and Fire Trinitas Press 4570 2002

Psalm 149 Oxford University Press 0-19-386702-8

2004

You Are One In Christ Jesus Paraclete Press 2006

Give Thanks to the Lord Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMC-2162

2008

HYMNS

“Earth’s scattered isles”(Dominus Regnavit)

Rowthorn/ Hancock

Hymn Society of America 0018272 Vol. 31, #2

1980

Come, thou fount of every blessing (Nettleton)

Arr. by Hancock

THE HYMNAL 1982 New York, The Church Pension Fund

1984

O God of love, to thee we bow(St. Mary Magdalene)

Hancock THE HYMNAL 1982

Retell what Christ’s great love had done (Wichmann)

Rowthorn/Hancock

A NEW HYMNAL FOR COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS Yale University, New Haven

1972

Come, thou Holy Spirit, Come Hancock Oxford University Press(Church Music Society)

2001


ORGAN MUSIC

A Paraphrase of “St. Elizabeth” Hancock Oxford University Press 93.118 1975

The Chenault OrganDuet Library Collection“A Fancy for for Two to Play Two to Play”

Hancock H.W. Gray Publishing 1991

Organ Improvisations forHymn Singing

Hancock Hinshaw Music Inc. HMO-100

1991

Organ Improvisations forHymn Singing, Vol. 2


Organ Improvisations forAdvent and Christmas Hymns


Organ Improvisations forLent and Easter Hymns


Air Hancock Oxford University Press 93.104 2000

Bristol Collection Hancock H. Flammer 1968Bayhead, Vol. 2Nettleton, Vol. 1Playford, Vol. 1Somerset Hills, Vol. 3

Fantasy on “Divinium Mysterium”

Hancock C.P. Belwin/H.W. Gray GB-627 1974

Prelude on “Hyfrydol” Hancock C.P.Belwin/H.W.Gray 1979

Prelude and Fugue on “Union Seminary”

Hancock C.P.Belwin/H.W. Gray 1982

Meditation on“Union Seminary”

Hancock Oxford University Press 1998

Variations on “Coronation” Hancock Paraclete Press 2000

Variations on “Palm Beach” Hancock Oxford University Press 2001

Toccata for Organ Hancock Oxford University Press 2003

Holy Week Hancock Paraclete Press 2007


A Work for Two OrganistsAnd Two Organs “Palm Sunday” “Maunday Thursday” “Easter Day”

Orleans, Massachusetts

TEXT BOOK

Improvising: How to Master the Art

Hancock Oxford University Press 1994

VIDEO / DVD

GERRE HANCOCK: The Masters Series, Volume 4Dr. Hancock’s career, performing, and teaching of Improvisation AGO 2006

ADDRESSES

Oxford University Press200 Madison AvenueNew York, NY 10016

H. W. Gray Pub. 1/800/327-7643Belwin Mills PublishingWarner BrothersPO Box 4340Miami, FL 33014

Galleon PressThe Boston Music Co.Airport DriveHopedale, MA 01747

Hinshaw Music, Inc.PO Box 470Chapel Hill, NC 27414

Harold FlammerMusic Sales Corp.257 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10010

Paraclete PressPO Box 1586Orleans, MA 02653

Trinitas Press5536 NE HassaloPortland, OR 97213

American Guild of Organists475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260New York, NY 10115


GERRE HANCOCKImprovisation

Improvisation has long been a subject of consuming interest to Gerre Hancock, who was fortunate to have studied the subject with Nadia Boulanger, Jean Langlais and Searle Wright.

A large part of the organ music for the services at Saint Thomas Church (where Dr. Hancock was Organist and Master of Choristers for more than thirty years) includes improvisation on various themes presented within the course of each day’s liturgical and musical numbers. Mr. Hancock enjoys improvising in the various classical forms, with particular emphasis on contrapuntal forms, especially fugal.

Dr. Hancock teaches improvisation at The School of Music of The University of Texas at Austin. The Sacred Music Studies Center at the university is being founded to include an Improvisation Academy as part of the intensive study of this ancient and modern art. He has also taught this art at The Julliard School in New York City, The Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University in New Haven, and The Eastman School of Music in Rochester. He is frequently invited to give master classes or lecture-demonstrations for chapters of The American Guild of Organists and other groups on this subject. Dr. Hancock has also conducted workshops of a more extended nature in a number of leading universities in the United States, and at various Church Music Conferences.

On his recital programs he is frequently asked to improvise from themes presented just prior to this part of the program. His improvisations have been widely praised and on countless occasions have earned for him standing ovations.

A recording, Improvisation II, of several of Dr. Hancock’s improvisations on various hymn-tunes, is available from the Music Secretary, Saint Thomas Church, 1 West 53 rd Street, New York, New York 10019.

His textbook, Improvising: How to Master the Art, is published by Oxford University Press, New York.

Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.33563 Seneca Drive • Cleveland, OH 44139

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GERRE HANCOCK & JUDITH HANCOCK, Duo Organists B… · Web viewGerre and Judith Hancock. Duo Organists. ... and a virtuoso in the best sense of that tired word. ... J.S. Bach, six