Moederkerk-orrelweek: Winand Grundling

Offertoires based on French Christmas carols by the Romantic composers Guilmant, Franck, Lefébure-Wély and Lemmens feature in this programme. Grundling is the organist at the Dutch Reformed Church Stellenbosch-Welgelegen.

The Offertory in worship services is the time for giving so that sharing can take place. The Offertory as a musical genre originated from the Offertory moment in the Catholic liturgy. Offertory music in classical worship services does not have to be boring. French composers in particular embraced the Offertory genre (Offertoire in French) and created exciting works full of contrast in atmosphere, tempo and virtuosity. Each organist’s programme contains mainly Offertoriums/Offertoires. The Moederkerk’s very special organ is capable of a wide variety of sound colours and is showcased in these performances. Close-ups of the organist’s hands and feet will be shown on the screens. This year’s organists are from Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Hermanus and Humansdorp.