“Neuer Dom” Pedal Solo, op. 8 (2017/18)

Luca Massaglia (b. 1975) — “Neuer Dom” Pedal Solo, op. 8 (2017/18) for organ

The composer writes: “In Summer 2008, I gave a concert at the Marcussen & Søn organ (1968, IV/70) of the Neuer Dom (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom) in Linz (Austria). The Neuer Dom in Linz is an impressive, huge neo-gothic building. I was literally struck by it, like by no other church or cathedral around the world, even those much more famous and historically and artistically more precious. I entered the Neuer Dom for the first time after an evening Mass; the dim-light, the mystical aura—enhanced by the incense smoke; the vision of the organ—placed high above the main portal, with its narrow facade, slender towards the vaults—were sources of intense emotions that I will remember all my life. Many years after, I had the desire to recall them by writing this piece.”

Italian organist Luca Massaglia (b. 1975) was born in Turin and was educated there at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. Since 2001 he has been organist at the Madonna degli Angeli Sanctuary. In 2010, Massaglia was artistic director of the Note per la Sindone (Notes for the Holy Shroud) organ festival in Turin. As a concert organist, Massaglia has toured very extensively internationally. From 2009–12 he was also a member of a saxophone and organ duo (Duo Ricercare) which likewise toured internationally and also recorded a CD for Elegia Records. He is currently also a collaborative artist with many musicians including violinist Marco Casazza, organist Paolo Maria Guardini, and mezzo-soprano Margit Lykke Christensen, among others. In 2017, he formed the Russian-Italian Organ Duo with his wife, Elena Kalashnikova.