Ancient of Days

Several powerful elements combine to create this striking 11½-minute organ solo. In composing for the AGO chapter of Albany, NY, where Hailstork was raised and became a musician, the composer selected the hymn tune Albany, whose text begins with “Ancient of days...” Hailstork’s fantasy on this imposing melody is built as a chorale prelude, following Bach’s method of creating concert works around phrases from a known sacred melody.

Several powerful elements combine to create this striking 11½-minute organ solo. In composing for the AGO chapter of Albany, NY, where Hailstork was raised and became a musician, the composer selected the hymn tune Albany, whose text begins with “Ancient of days...” Hailstork’s fantasy on this imposing melody is built as a chorale prelude, following Bach’s method of creating concert works around phrases from a known sacred melody.