Music at WPC-
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Proper 27
Voluntary: Cantabile Cesar Franck (1822-1890)
Offertory: There's a Wideness In God's Mercy Mark Schweizer (1956-2019)
Music at Communion: I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light Kathleen Thomerson (1934-2025)
Voluntary: Toccata Gaston Belier (1863-1938)
Hymns
Opening Hymn: 8- Eternal Father, Strong to Save MELITIA
Kyrie: 551
Gloria Patri: 581
Sequence Hymn: 507- Come to the Table of Grace TABLE OF GRACE
Closing Hymn: 362- Rejoice! Rejoice Believers LLANGLOFFAN
Next Week's Music at WPC:
Sunday, November 15: Nik Stackpole, Organ; WPC Choir; WPC Handbell Choir
Voluntary- About the Music
César Franck’s Cantabile, composed in 1878, is the second of his Trois Pièces (Three Pieces) for organ, written for the inauguration of the grand Cavaillé-Coll organ at the Palais du Trocadéro in Paris. One of Franck’s most lyrical and expressive organ compositions, the Cantabile reflects his gift for creating deeply emotional music through simple, singing melodies and rich harmonic textures. The title, meaning “in a singing style,” perfectly describes the work’s character, as a graceful melody unfolds above a gentle accompaniment. Throughout the piece, Franck explores the organ’s expressive capabilities, particularly the warm, orchestral colors of the French Romantic instrument. Subtle changes in harmony and registration create moments of tenderness, longing, and quiet intensity, while the melody returns with a sense of peaceful reflection.
Offertory- About the Composer
Mark Schweizer (1956–2019) was an American composer, church musician, opera singer, and author whose work combined a deep appreciation for sacred music with a wonderful sense of humor. A native of Florida, Schweizer earned degrees from Stetson University and the University of Arizona, where he completed a doctorate in vocal performance. Throughout his career, he served as a church music director, taught at several universities, and performed professionally as a bass-baritone. He was also president and editor of St. James Music Press, publishing a wide variety of sacred choral music, including many of his own compositions and arrangements. Beyond his musical career, Schweizer was perhaps best known for his humorous Liturgical Mysteries book series, which follows Hayden Konig, a small-town police chief who also serves as an Episcopal church organist and choirmaster. With titles such as The Alto Wore Tweed, The Tenor Wore Tapshoes, and The Organist Wore Pumps, the books playfully explore the peculiarities of church life, choir personalities, and the occasional murder mystery.
Voluntary- About the Composer
Gaston Bélier (1863–1938) was a French organist and composer whose music reflects the grand traditions of French Romantic organ playing. Born in Méry-sur-Oise, France, Bélier studied with the renowned organists Eugène Gigout and Charles-Marie Widor, two influential figures in the development of the French organ school. Although he worked professionally as a banker, Bélier maintained an active musical career, serving as organist of Saint-Maclou in Pontoise from 1892 until his death in 1938. He also served as a substitute organist at several prominent Parisian churches, including Saint-Sulpice, and was involved in organ restoration projects, including work on the famous organ at La Madeleine in Paris. Today, Bélier is best remembered for his brilliant Toccata in D Minor, published in 1912 and dedicated to his teacher Eugène Gigout. The piece is a dazzling example of the French toccata tradition, featuring rapid, continuous passages, powerful chords, and a thrilling conclusion that showcases the full resources of the organ.