Triple trills, impossible pedal runs and large stretches: anyone who wishes to perform Mozart’s organ works faces a considerable challenge. They were not written for humans at all, but for a curious technical marvel of the time: highly advanced automatic organs. The Fokker organ offers the unique possibility of reliving this magical experience, thanks to the modern technology of MIDI, which allows the instrument to be controlled by a computer. Laurens de Man will present his interpretation of the programmed works not only live, but also via music files created by himself, which can be played automatically by the Fokker organ.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the brilliant Austrian composer of the 18th century, was one of the first well-known composers to write music for automatic organs, specifically the so-called “flute clocks.” These flute clocks were self-playing organs popular at the time, often used as entertainment in wealthy households.
The refinement of clock mechanisms in the 18th century led to the development of the flute clocks, in which a flute mechanism was incorporated alongside the clockwork. The weights of the clock served as the driving force. With the improvement of the pin drums and scanning mechanisms, the melodies could be reproduced ever more precisely. This resulted in even famous composers such as Haydn, Handel, Beethoven and Mozart writing music specifically for flute clocks.
Mozart composed three works for this mechanical instrument: Fantasie in F minor, K. 608, Adagio and Allegro in F minor, K. 594, and again a Fantasie in F minor, K. 594. These pieces reflect Mozart’s genius and his ability to adapt to the technological innovations of his time.
The music for flute clocks posed specific challenges, given the limitations of the instrument. Mozart, however, succeeded in creating lively and expressive compositions that made use of the possibilities of the flute clocks. These works demonstrate Mozart’s ability to adapt his creative mind to different musical contexts, including the emerging world of self-playing organs.
Another famous Austrian composer, Joseph Haydn, also wrote for automatic organ. With his Drei Flötenuhrstücke he presented the charm and amusement in music that was appreciated in aristocratic circles of the time.
The early and relatively lesser-known work Zwei Präludien durch alle Tonarten, op. 39 by Ludwig van Beethoven consists of two preludes, each traversing all keys, which is a striking feature. It illustrates Beethoven’s remarkable experimentation with chromatic and harmonic structures and his search for unique expressive possibilities.
On the programme, alongside works by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, are also characteristic 31-tone works by Jan van Dijk and Anthon van der Horst, composed especially for the Fokker organ. Both composers held great respect for classical masters such as Mozart.