Karen Larson Black (DMA Indiana University and Professor of Organ at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa) commissioned me to compose a new piece in honor of the sesquicentennial of Wartburg College. The work was premiered as part of a commemorative organ recital on May 25, 2002, during sesquicentennial celebrations at the college.

The Fantasy is a set of continuous, transforming variations on the well-known chorale—known to us as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” After a massive opening statement derived from the signature motive in the hymn, the work begins with a large, multi-voiced fugue based on the contour of the chorale tune. The fugue builds to a brief cadenza that leads into a toccata based upon the inversion of the chorale tune. Instead of increasing in volume or texture, the toccata eventually dissolves into swirling passagework in ever-decreasing registrations (accomplished with manual changes). These patterns lead into a rather Distler-inspired ostinato variation on registrations spiced with mutations and reeds. A sudden, hushed interlude leads to a lush setting of the chorale tune ensconced in strings and celestes. The fugue subject appears against the lyrical progressions, signaling a return to a more volatile setting of the material. A subito fortissimo pedal solo introduces the final section, which is a fanfare-toccata above the theme, which appears in the pedal part. In all, there are five variations.

Aria for Keith and Liz (organ solo) (2001)

This piece was composed as a tribute to Keith and Elizabeth Hege on the occasion of their thirty-eighth wedding anniversary in 2001. The thematic material is based on the musical spelling of “Keith” and “Liz.” The work is a lyrical song in a French-influenced language; eventually it will be made into a longer, larger work.