Judith Shatin

Organ

Composer's Note:

The title ‘Dust and Shadow’ comes from Book IV, Ode vii of the Odes of Horace. The original Latin is ‘Pulvis et umbra sumus. (We are but dust and shadow). It speaks to our ephemeral nature and suggests to me that of music as well – it is sent as a missive through the air, reverberates through our beings and dissipates. 

'Dust and Shadow' was commissioned by organist Gail Archer who toured it extensively. In addition to her collaboration, I want to thank organist Jeremy Thompson, Music Director of First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville for his patient demonstrations of the beautiful Casavant Frere Organ at First Presbyterian Church, and organist Alice Layton for hers of the rebuilt Andover organ at the First Christ Episcopal Church, both in Charlottesville. And, both churches, for their generosity in allowing me  the marvelous experience of experimenting with such varied sonic combinations in these spiritual spaces.