CPMusicLibrary's video: Five Liturgical Inventions by Victor Togni 2 Ave Maria

Five Litugical Inventions - Victor Togni (1935 - 1965) Jesu Dulcis - Verbum Supernum Ave Maria Adoro te Devote Laudate Dominum Alleluia 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Victor Togni’s death. This memorial edition of the Five Liturgical Inventions based on chants highlights the importance of these miniatures in the body of Canadian Organ Music. I was introduced to these works as an Organ Scholar at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in Calgary, Canada, and they have been a part of my musical and liturgical life ever since; they were recorded in 2006 on my debut recording, Without Boundaries (Raven CD OAR-890). I play them often in concerts and people are always quite curious about them. I am honoured to have been associated with Victor Togni through his music and equally honoured to have been asked to write a few words about these wonderful miniatures. The invention as a musical form has been in use since the 16th century, and the best-known examples are the Two- and Three part Inventions of Johann Sebastian Bach. Victor Togni’s Inventions based on chant melodies are simply and beautifully set to be within the reach of most church organists. In the opening setting of Jesu Dulcis-Verbum Supernum, the chants are demonstrated canonically between the right hand and pedal parts, accompanied by a chordal texture. A distinct portion of each chant melody is used and interpolated. This invention can be used throughout the liturgical year as either a prelude or postlude, varying the registration according to the placement in the service. In Ave Maria, the melody is presented in small sections, offering the organist an opportunity to explore a variety of colours. With imaginative use, this invention can be played throughout the liturgical year. Adoro te Devote is one of the better known chants due to its close affiliation with Holy Week, in particular Maundy Thursday. Togni set the canon beautifully to allow the organist to explore as many different colours as possible to highlight the melody. This chant is commonly used during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Laudate dominum, a chant of praise, is the most musically playful of all the inventions. This treatment of the chant melody explores the use of mutations and upperwork of the instrument. Alleluia, the most technically challenging of these inventions, requires good keyboard technique throughout as well as, ideally, a fairly live room. Also desirable is an instrument capable of making a striking statement using its full complement of reeds. This piece makes for a wonderful conclusion to a celebratory liturgy. Notes and thoughts by Dr. Maxine Thevenot, Organist, Composer, Founding and Artistic Director of Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico, a faculty member at the University of New Mexico and Director of Cathedral Music & Organist, Canon Precentor at The Cathedral of Saint John, Albuquerque, New Mexico. For sale through our online store https://cpmusiclibrary.ca/product/five-liturgical-inventions-togni/ OR through your local retailer.