Christmas Improvisations
Gallery & Chancel organs
St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue New York City
Gerre Hancock, organist 

Gerre Hancock is simply one of the most extraordinary improvisers in the organ world today. Although his musical studies have been with Nadia Boulanger, Jean Langlais, Searle Wright, and Marie-Claire Alain, his own style is unique. In this recording he shows off the two distinguished organs of St. Thomas Church in New York City, using musical themes from Christmas carols and plainsong melodies.

 

Taylor & Boody organ (Gallery)

 

Personet hodie
The snow lay on the ground
Puer nobis nascitur
Angels we have heard on high
Infant lowly; Infant holy
I saw three ships
What child is this?
Go, tell it on the mountain

Aeolian-Skinner organ (chancel)

A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY

Christe, Redemptor omnium (plainsong)
Es ist ein' Ros entsprungen (German folk tune)
In dulci jubilo (German folk tune)

Puer natus in Bethlehem (plainsong)

Divinum mysterium (plainsong)