O himmlische Frau Königin (Fantasie), GWV 668 (2011)

Lothar Graap (b. 1933) — O himmlische Frau Königin (Fantasie), GWV 668 (2011) for organ

Präludium; Satz I; Bicinium; Caprice; Arietta; Satz II

The composer writes: “The melody of this fantasy for organ is taken from a hymn in the appendix of the new Catholic book of prayers and hymns for the Archdiocese of Bamberg: 'Gotteslob.” The melody is developed musically in six movements. The work was premiered in Banz Abbey in July 2011.”

Lothar Graap (b. 1933) is a German composer and church musician. Educated at the conservatory in Görlitz, his primary teachers were Eberhard Wenzel and Hans Schneider. He also studied with Helmut Bornefeld and Siegfried Reda. In 1954 he began a career as a professional church musician in Niemegk, and he pursued this work at several positions until his retirement in 1998 from Cottbus, where he had been cantor at the Klosterkirche. By the time of his retirement, he had performed and directed more than 1000 vespers services and concerts in Cottbus. Graap has composed more than 700 compositions in many forms, with a particular focus on organ and choral music.

Published by Edition Dohr