Opus 1230

Three Autumn Sketches after a Watercolor by Maria Willscher (2017)

for Organ

Carson Cooman, organ

Erik Simmons, organ

Duration: 16 min.

Dedication: for Hans-Peter Bähr

Publisher: Zimbel Press/Subito Music Corp.

Performance materials available from the publisher.

Three Autumn Sketches after a Watercolor by Maria Willscher (2017) are dedicated to Hans-Peter Bähr. The music is inspired by a watercolor painting by Maria (Neumann) Willscher (1922–1998) entitled “Herbststimmung.” The three movements explore moods and colors of autumn as reflected in the painting.

In the first movement, Herbststimmung (Autumn Mood), a musical line falls under gentle undulation. A central section is a wistful chorale.

The second movement, Herbstfarben (Autumn Colors), reflects on the subtle variety and gradations of autumn colors with constantly shifting harmonic colors.

The final movement, Sonnenuntergang (Sunset), is inspired by the serenely beautiful colors of an autumn sunset, imagining the sun’s departing rays illuminating the autumn landscape.

Maria Willscher (1922–1998)