Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
(arr. Alexander Straus-Fausto)
Overture to Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
(arr. E. H. Lemare)
Deux Esquisses by Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)
I. In E Minor
II. In Bb Minor
Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla (1933-1990)
Cathedral Windows by Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933)
Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Julius Reubke (1834-1858)
Program Notes
I. Theatrical Visions and the Search for Meaning
Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide is a vibrant and iconic American masterpiece, encapsulating the spirit of the full operetta in just a few exhilarating minutes. This version has been transcribed for solo organ by Straus-Fausto, capturing the full orchestral texture and turning the organist into a one-person orchestra.
Richard Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser is another monumental work in the orchestral repertoire, known for its sweeping Romantic themes and dramatic intensity. The transcription by Edwin Lemare adapts the full orchestral score for solo organ, skillfully preserving its complexity and grandeur. Tannhäuser itself tells the story of a knight and minstrel torn between sacred and profane love, a central theme in much of Wagner’s operatic writing.
II. Industry, and the Modern Pulse
French organ virtuoso Marcel Dupré revolutionized organ performance in the 20th century by pushing the boundaries of technique and musicality. He often composed pieces of unprecedented difficulty to expand the instrument’s expressive range and challenge performers. His sketches exemplify this ambitious vision, demanding both technical mastery and interpretive depth.
Astor Piazzolla, the renowned Argentine bandoneón player and composer, transformed traditional tango by infusing it with classical elements and jazz harmonies, creating what became known as nuevo tango. Oblivion, one of his most haunting works, is a melancholic tango evoking deep longing. Its steady, hypnotic pulse underscores a sense of inevitability and emotional intensity, culminating in absolute oblivion, reflecting Piazzolla’s unique fusion of classical precision and tango passion.
III. Redemption and Revelation
Sigfrid Karg-Elert’s Cathedral Windows evokes the quiet reverence of stained glass and sacred space. Written in the setting of the Ave Maria chant, it blends Romantic harmony with impressionistic color, offering a gentle, prayerful atmosphere. Its flowing lines and rich textures make it a favorite for moments of reflection and devotion.
Julius Reubke, a brilliant student of Franz Liszt, died tragically at the age of 24. Despite his short life, he composed one of the greatest Romantic organ works: the Sonata on the 94th Psalm. Structured in three dramatic movements, the piece is based on the storytelling of Psalm 94 and presents an epic musical battle between good and evil. Its emotional power, structural innovation, and technical demands have secured it a lasting place in the organ repertoire.
Psalm 94
Grave – Larghetto – Grave
“Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, show Yourself. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render to the proud what they deserve.”
Allegro con fuoco
“Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, ‘The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.’”
Adagio
“Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in silence.”
Allegro
“But the Lord is my defense, and my God is the rock of my refuge.”
Biography of Alexander Straus-Fausto
Organist Alexander Straus-Fausto is known for his virtuosic technique and vivid programming, delivering performances that are both exhilarating and expressive, spanning repertoire from the fifteenth century to the present. He has created over fifty orchestral transcriptions, highlighting his passion for the symphonic organ. His repertoire includes the complete organ works of Franck, Duruflé, and Brahms. He was named to The Diapason’s “20 Under 30 Class of 2023” and CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” (2025).
He has appeared at leading venues including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Washington National Cathedral, Grace Cathedral (San Francisco), Trinity Church Wall Street, and La Madeleine in Paris. With support from the American Guild of Organists, he co-founded Festiv’Orgue in Montreal, promoting historic symphonic organs to new audiences.
Straus-Fausto holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music, Yale School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music, and McGill University, and studied at Interlochen Arts Academy. He is currently Principal Organist and Associate Director of Music at the Church of the Epiphany in Miami and Artistic Director of the Miami International Organ Competition.