2025
- 06-15 – HymntunesFor centuries, composers have found inspiration in chorales and hymn tunes. There are thousands of these tunes that…
- 06-08 – The ChenaultsRaymond and Elizabeth Chenault have been performing together as an organist duo for more than 40 years. Today our show…
- 06-01 – Magic in MilwaukeeThe Organ Historical Society’s annual convention will be in Milwaukee (and Madison), Wisconsin this summer. We…
- 05-25 – Northwestern UniversityThis week we hear music composed and performed by alumni and faculty of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois….
- 05-18 – Alfred Hollins and FriendsThis week we hear works by the Famous Blind British organist and composer Alfred Hollins and some of his…
- 05-11 – Awesome AustinsThis week we listen to instruments built by one of the oldest American organbuilding companies, Austin Organs of…
- 05-04 – Definitely DupréThis week we celebrate the birthday of French composer and organist Marcel Dupré. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 04-27 – The World of WhitlockThis week we’re spending the hour with British composer Percy Whitlock. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 04-20 – Suddenly SowerbyThe American composer Leo Sowerby premiered his Classic Concerto for Organ and Orchestra 87 years ago this week. To…
- 04-13 – Handy HandelThis week we remember this German composer on the 299th anniversary of his death with some of his music, transcriptions…
- 04-06 – Happy Birthday Stephen TharpThis week we celebrate the birthday of American concert organist Stephen Tharp. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 03-30 – Stately StanfordThis week we spend the hour with the English composer Charles Villiers Stanford. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 03-23 – Classic KimballsThis week we listen to music performed on instruments built by the W.W. Kimball company of Chicago, Illinois. Hosts:…
- 03-16 – Bach’s 340thThis week we celebrate Bach’s birthday with an assortment of some of his most-loved organ works. Hosts: Mark…
- 03-09 – Our 300th Episode!This week we celebrate this milestone with the largest organs in the world, all over 300 ranks! Hosts: Mark Scholtz,…
- 03-02 – Just JuilliardThis week we listen to music from organists associated with the Juilliard School in New York City. Hosts: Mark Scholtz,…
- 02-23 – Music on 5th AvenueThis week we look at the church where Gerre Hancock served for so many years and explore music from other musicians…
- 02-16 – Uncle GerreThis week we explore the music and legacy of American organist Gerre Hancock. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 02-09 – Wonderful WillisSince 1845 Willis has been one of the most sought-after builders of exceptional pipe organs. Though no longer managed…
- 02-02 – Black Composers and OrganistsFor the start of Black History Month, we turn our attention to music created by black organists and composers. Hosts:…
- 01-26 – Organ and VoicesThe organ is an excellent solo instrument, but it also quite versatile and useful as an accompanimental instrument….
- 01-19 – Organ and OthersThis week our organists are joined by other instrumentalists for some combinations you probably haven’t heard…
- 01-12 – Mighty McGillThis week we listen to music by students and faculty of McGill University in Montréal. Hosts: Mark Sholtz, Bill Stein…
- 01-05 – Pro Pro OrganoThis week we listen to some recent releases from the Pro Organo label. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist Title:…
2024
- 12-29 – Bill and Mark’s FavoritesThis week there’s no script, Bill and Mark have selected some of their favorite organ works, and they tell us…
- 12-22 – Gaston DethierThis week we explore the music of Belgian-born composer Gaston Dethier as well as those of other musicians close to…
- 12-15 – Niels Gade and FriendsThis week we listen to music by 19th century Danish composer Niels Gade and some of his contemporaries. Hosts: Mark…
- 12-08 – Going Down UnderThis week we head down under to Australia for music by Australian composers and some Australian organs. Hosts: Mark…
- 12-01 – OberlinThis week we listen to recordings by organists affiliated with the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio….
- 11-24 – Emma LouOn what would have been her 97th birthday we remember the composer and organist Emma Lou Diemer, who died earlier this…
- 11-17 – Recent RavensThis week we listen to some recent releases from the Raven label. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist Title: Grand…
- 11-10 – Frederick SwannThis week we remember the American organist Frederick Swann, who passed away in 2019. We hear some of his recorded…
- 11-03 – French SymphonicsThis week we go to 19th century France for some favorite French Symphonic composers. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 10-27 – The ReformationThis Sunday is known as Reformation Sunday in many Protestant Churches. Today we celebrate the musical influence of…
- 10-20 – Russian RevolutionThis week we hear organ works and transcriptions of orchestral and piano works, all by Russian composers. Hosts: Mark…
- 10-13 – North of the BorderThis week we go north to Canada to hear organ works by Canadian composers. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 10-06 – German GrandeurThis week we go back to 20th century Germany and explore some neo-classical and neo-baroque music by German composers…
- 09-29 – The PlanetsIn recognition of Gustav Holsts’ 150th birthday this month, we turn to his most famous work, The Planets. We hear…
- 09-22 – Made in America, Part IVOnce more, we stay at home to explore organ music from some of America’s greatest composers. Hosts: Mark Scholtz,…
- 09-17 – Made in America, Part IIIWe’re back with another hour this week of organ music all by American composers. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 09-08 – An Italian Holiday, Part 2We continue our exploration of Italian organ works from across the centuries. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 09-01 – An Italian HolidayThis week we travel to Italy for some of that country’s finest organ music, both new and old. Hosts: Mark…
- 08-25 – Let’s LétourneauThis week we listen to organ music performed on instruments built by the Létourneau Organ Company of St. Hyacinthe,…
- 08-18 – Definitely DobsonThis week we explore instruments built by the Dobson Organ Company of Lake City, Iowa….
- 08-11 – Simply SchoensteinThis week we explore instruments built by Schoenstein & Co. of Benecia, California. We’re also joined by Jack…
- 08-04 – Baroque BeckerathsToday we’re examining the legacy of German organbuilder Rudolf von Beckerath. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…
- 07-28 – Remembering J.S. BachThis week marks 274 years since the death of J.S. Bach, and we remember him with a show dedicated to his organ music….
- 07-21 – Made in America, Part IIWe continue our exploration of American organ music with another hour all by American composers. Hosts: Mark Scholtz,…
- 07-14 – Made in America, Part IWe’re celebrating the USA’s birthday this month with music that was all composed by American composers….
- 07-07 – Live from KirkwoodThis week’s episode was performed by 5 organists in front of a live audience at First Presbyterian Church of…
- 06-30 – St. Etienne du Mont & La MadeleineToday is the final stop on the Parisian tour, and we will visit two churches: St Etienne du Mont and La Madeleine, and…
- 06-23 – St. EustacheThis week we continue our Parisian exploration with a stop to hear the Van den Heuvel organ of St. Eustache. Hosts:…
- 06-16 – Ste. ClotildeWe continue our Parisian vacation with a trip to Ste. Clotilde where César Franck, Charles Tournemire, and Jean…
- 06-09 – St. SulpiceWe continue our Parisian vacation with a stop at the Church of St. Sulpice. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 06-02 – Notre-Dame CathedralThis month we’re taking a trip to Paris to visit the landmark churches and organs in that city. We start at the…
- 05-26 – In MemoriamThis Memorial Day weekend, we take time to listen to some organ music that was composed “In Memoriam”….
- 05-19 – Mander OrgansMander Organs Limited was an English pipe organ building company based in London. Founded by Noel Mander in 1936, the…
- 05-12 – It’s all EnglishThis week we go to England! We hear early works to brand-new pieces, played on organs in England and across the globe….
- 05-05 – SpringtimeWith spring fully here, we revel in the season with music celebrating all things Spring! Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill…
- 04-28 – Josef Gabriel RheinbergerIn the 19th century, musicians flocked to Germany to study composition, many of them going to the Royal Conservatory of…
- 04-21 – Felix-Alexandre GuilmantFrench Romantic era composers and organists are favorites of both performers and audiences. The soaring melodies and…
- 04-14 – Reger and PalsWe continue our exploration of giants of the Romantic period, this time in Germany with Max Reger and some of his…
- 04-07 – Stanford and FriendsThis week we go to 19th century England to explore the music of Charles Villiers Stanford, his students, and his…
- 03-31 – Easter SundayToday is Easter Sunday, so we’re celebrating with music appropriate for the holiday. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill…
- 03-24 – Damin SpritzerThis month we have celebrated contributions to the world of organ music by women composers and organists. Today, we…
- 03-17 – Women OrganistsWe’re continuing our commemoration of Women’s History Month with an episode of music recorded by some enormously…
- 03-10 – American Women ComposersThis week, we turn our focus to home and bring you an hour of music penned by American women, some familiar, and some…
- 03-03 – European Women ComposersThis month we’re celebrating women’s history month, and we start with an hour of music by women composers…
- 02-25 – Black ComposersThe month of February is dedicated to celebrating Black History, and we thought it fitting to celebrate organ music…
- 02-18 – HymntunesFor centuries, hymns have provided a vehicle for people to pray and praise, to experience comfort and solace, and to…
- 02-11 – In Memoriam Charles CallahanToday we remember the organist and composer Charles Callahan, who died on December 25, 2023. This episode was sponsored…
- 02-04 – Monumental MendelssohnFrom the age of 11 until his death, Felix Mendelssohn played and composed music for the organ. On The King of…
- 01-28 – Chant MelodiesChant melodies have been inspiring musicians for hundreds of years. Today we’ll listen to different ways…
- 01-21 – Those CasavantsCanadian organ builder Joseph Casavant was born January 23, 1807 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. He constructed 17 organs…
- 01-14 – The Silbermann SoundAndreas and Gottfried Silbermann were organ-building brothers whose lives spanned the latter 17th-century to the…
- 01-07 – Music by WomenWe have an hour of music composed by, for, and performed by women, some with names that are familliar, others that…
2023
- 12-31 – Happy New Year!It’s New Year’s Eve, so Mark and Bill are celebrating with some of their friends and their favorite organ…
- 12-24 – Merry ChristmasIt’s Christmas Eve today. Mark and Bill are taking a little holiday break, but the show is here with an hour of…
- 12-17 – Winter WonderlandThis week we’re exploring some evocative and sometimes chilling music. Hosts: Mark Sholtz, Bill Stein Playlist Title:…
- 12-10 – César FranckIt took a Belgian composer to convince France of the value of German musical ideals. Today on the King of Instruments…
- 12-03 – AdventToday, the first Sunday in December, marks the first Sunday in Advent, a four week period of preparation for Christmas…
- 11-26 – ThanksgivingThanksgiving has passed, and that usually means people’s thoughts turn to all things Christmas. But we still have…
- 11-19 – Nordic JourneyIn 2010, American organist James Hicks embarked on a unique project to bring the music, organists, and organs of the…
- 11-12 – Pipes in the Orchestra HallEpisode 231 – November 12, 2023 After showing that the organ is a worthy substitute for the orchestra, even more…
- 11-05 – Who needs an Orchestra? (III)Episode 230 – November 5, 2023 With all that the organ can do, who needs and orchestra to bring orchestral music…
- 10-29 – Halloween HijinxEpisode 229 – October 29, 2023 Halloween is in the air, and what’s better than organ music to set the mood?…
- 10-22 – Fabulous FoxEpisode 228 – October 22, 2023 This week we remember Virgil Fox who died 43 years ago this week. Hosts: Mark…
- 10-15 – Early MusicEpisode 227 – October 15, 2023 This week we explore some of the earliest organ music, written from the 13th…
- 10-08 – Very VierneEpisode 226 – October 8, 2023 Louis Vierne, the longtime organist of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, was born 153…
- 10-01 – Birthday of the Curtis InstituteEpisode 225 – October 1, 2023 The Curtis Institute of Music turns 99 years old this week. We celebrate by hearing…
- 09-24 – New RecordingsEpisode 224 – September 24, 2023 We’re happy to say that organists and producers are still creating new…
- 09-17 – Fall is in the airEpisode 223 – September 17, 2023 As fall approaches, we prepare for by playing some music for the season. Hosts:…
- 09-10 – Choir and OrganEpisode 222 – September 10, 2023 It’s music for organ and voices this week. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill…
- 09-03 – Celebration!Episode 221 – September 3, 2023 We celebrate the return of the King of Instruments to the airwaves! Hosts: Mark…
2016
- 10-30 – New Releases IIIIn this episode we explore new album releases of classical organ music. Playlist Title: Chorale Fantasy on Ein feste…
- 10-23 – Franz Liszt and Howard HansonToday on the occasion of these composers’ birthdays, we’re going to explore organ music composed by Franz Liszt…
- 10-16 – Thomas MurrayFor more than 40 years, Thomas Murray, from Yale University, has been delighting audiences with his performances and…
- 10-09 – Camille Saint-SaënsThis week we spend the hour with the organ music of French 19th century organist and composer, Camille Saint-Saëns….
- 10-02 – AutumnAutumn has arrived. The weather is changing, the days are shorter, and leaves are already starting to change color and…
- 09-25 – Boellman, Stanford, & GershwinWe celebrate the birthdays of Leon Boellmann, Charles Villiers Stanford and George Gershwin in this episode. Playlist…
- 09-18 – Holst and the PlanetsEnglish composer Gustav Holst was born 142 years ago this week. To celebrate, we’re playing an organ transcription of…
- 09-11 – Ernest M. SkinnerThis week we spend the hour with some landmark instruments designed and built by Ernest M. Skinner. Playlist Title:…
- 09-04 – Back to SchoolSeptember is here and it’s time for students to head back to school! Playlist Title: University of Oklahoma…
- 08-28 – Lesser heard composersOne of our goals here on the King of Instruments is to explore music from many different periods, styles, and…
- 08-14 – Ibert and PiernéWe continue our series of birthday celebrations this week with two French composers, Jacques Ibert and Gabriel Pierné….
- 08-07 – 19th century composersToday we’re going to listen to the music of 6 different composers whose names are not often remembered in modern…
- 07-31 – More New ReleasesThis week we’re going to explore some recently released albums of organ music. Playlist Title: Prelude to The…
- 07-24 – Popular WorksOrganists are recording and releasing new albums all the time. Often they are collections by a single composer or from…
- 07-17 – The Early YearsThis week we have an hour of early and baroque organ works. Playlist Title: Mi ut re ut – Venise (118)Composer:…
- 07-10 – Some British Church MusicThis week it’s an hour of church music from England spanning several centuries. Playlist Title: A FancyComposer:…
- 07-03 – Independence DayTo celebrate our country’s 240th birthday, our show today will be a program of all patriotic favorites. Playlist…
- 06-26 – GermansThis week we’re spending the hour with 5 German composers from the 17th to the 19th century. Playlist Title:…
- 06-19 – SummertimeSummer arrives this week, so we’re celebrating with organ music for the season. Playlist Title: Summer Sketches,…
- 06-12 – AGO Convention PreviewThis week we’re previewing organists and organs to be featured in the upcoming 2016 AGO National Convention….
- 06-05 – All-ElgarSir Edward Elgar was born on June 2, 1857. The composer of the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches,…
- 05-29 – New ReleasesThis week we explore some new CDs that have arrived in the mail! Playlist Title: Trio Sonata no. 3 in D minor (BWV 527)…
- 05-22 – Look Ma, no hands!Among musicians, none make as much use of their feet as the organist. One of the greatest challenges in learning to…
- 05-15 – Welcome to FranceThis week we’re exploring French Organ Music from the 17th century to the 20th! Playlist: Title: Fantaisie sur…
- 05-08 – Made in St. LouisThis week we listen to music on organs built in and around St. Louis. Playlist Title: Vor deinen Thron tret’ ich…
- 05-01 – May BirthdaysThis week we celebrate the birthdays of composers Johannes Brahms, Marcel Dupré, and Leo Sowerby. Playlist: May, 1…
- 04-24 – Size isn’t everythingThis week we spend some time with pipe organs that are a little on the smaller side. Playlist Title: Sonata –…
- 04-17 – Making it all up againOrganists often get the chance to just make up their own music on the spot! We celebrate some favorite improvisateurs…
- 04-10 – Organ Plus OneBeing an organist can be a solitary lifestyle. But this week we’re bringing the organ together with other…
- 04-03 – St. Louis ConnectionsThis week everything has a connection to here in St. Louis, Missouri. Playlist: Title: Toccata, op.45Composer: René…
- 03-27 – The Trumpet Shall SoundThis week we listen to the sounds of organ and brass. Playlist: March, 27 2016 The trumpet shall sound Title: Christ…
- 03-20 – Bach Birthday BashThis week we celebrate the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. Playlist: Title: Prelude and Fugue in C (BWV…
- 03-13 – Who needs an OrchestraMost organs are an orchestra into themselves, so with one of those at hand, we’re asking Who needs an orchestra?…
- 03-06 – American Composers and a New OrganIn this episode we’ll take some time to remember American composers for the organ who happen to have been born on…
- 02-28 – New in St. LouisThis episode celebrates the dedication of a new Schoenstein organ at Ladue Chapel in St. Louis. Playlist Title:…
- 02-21 – Making it upCelebrating the birthdays of Charles-Marie Widor and Gerre Hancock, this week’s show is all about improvisation….
- 02-14 – Valentine’s DayThis week we celebrate Valentine’s Day with music for the holiday. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein Playlist…
- 02-07 – Something NewWe celebrate the return of the King of Instruments to the airwaves with something new. Hosts: Mark Scholtz, Bill Stein…