A Recording and Discussion of Organ Music by Pamela Decker

This project explores eight organ works by Pamela Decker, a leading figure in contemporary American organ music. Decker’s compositions honor traditional organ repertoire while integrating other elements to create a unique artistic voice. Her works draw inspiration from a diverse range of traditions, including German chorales, South American dances, and the French toccata style, as well as the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. Her organ music incorporates tango rhythms, flamenco modes, Bulgarian dance rhythms, and other complex rhythmic structures, all within rich harmonic frameworks.In addition to recording her works, this project addresses the historical underrepresentation of female composers in the organ repertoire. The field has long been dominated by male composers, yet Decker has emerged as a significant voice, earning recognition as Composer of the Year by the American Guild of Organists in 2018. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stanford University and advanced her studies in Germany through a Fulbright Grant, further shaping her distinctive compositional style. As of this writing, she is Professor of Organ and Composition at the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona in Tucson. For this project I created a recording on the Richard-Fowkes organ at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QidGC7slJk_n3qXXOOzwEtJeWw-sV6Qf The program focuses on both the emotional depth and technical sophistication of Decker’s music. In collaboration with Decker herself, the repertoire was carefully chosen to reflect the broad influences that shape her work. Featured compositions include Flores del Desierto, Passacaglia on BACH, Tango Toccata on a Theme by Melchior Vulpius, Golden Gate, Two Psalm Paraphrases, Psalm 139, and Jesu, dulcis memoria. These pieces highlight her engagement with German and South American musical styles as well as longstanding liturgical traditions, reflecting her ability to infuse tradition with modern elements. Ultimately, this project seeks to celebrate Pamela Decker’s contributions to organ music while advocating for greater recognition of female composers. By presenting her compositions in this recording, I hope to disseminate her music more widely and to foster a deeper appreciation of the diversity and richness of contemporary organ repertoire composed by women. Recordings of individual organ works by Pamela Decker:Flores del Desierto: https://youtu.be/ZUHs94_F5nE?si=t6diIgcGdDB7lz7g https://youtu.be/Y_466ZSXag8?si=xtvpxeFPUXiSbaRP https://youtu.be/dRtheEortBM?si=wS4rncjlAkxIBHc2 Passacaglia on BACH: https://youtu.be/1hbsaNGg0WQ?si=DLZ9DJSxzANStCLe Tango Toccata on a Theme by Melchior Vulpius: https://youtu.be/BjuW74dwAF8?si=0hQZPY3Z13GsaNup Golden Gate: https://youtu.be/v89IY83zTcU?si=fbYEjYSOnpBBYdBa Two Psalm Paraphrases: https://youtu.be/gqhSE16wGYY?si=9yYqE1LK89nMFsN3 Psalm 139: https://youtu.be/HqeG3-t_pZ8?si=rPvWjUgPt_S0AC6r Jesu, dulcis memoria: https://youtu.be/qmTO3P7Bqc8?si=Z49mBveXHMsLLw2_