Musical Contribution - December 2023

Fantasia on Christmas Carol “Stille, Heil'ge nacht”, E. Mobach (1836-1898)

Mobach was born in Bolsward. He either became blind at an early age, or was even born blind. What is certain is that he was taught at the Blindeninstituut (School for the Blind) in Amsterdam from as early as 1842. He was an organist in this city for many years, successively in the Eilandkerk, Noorderkerk and Oude Kerk. As a composer he didn’t leave us many compositions. Just a few works for choir and organ, and for Harmonium. His most well-known composition is the Prelude and Fugue in D minor.

We have before us a Fantasia on the world’s most well-known Christmas Carol. This work is written as a true fantasia in which no specific form can be discovered. But there’s still much to enjoy if played with phrasing and a focus on registration.

On behalf of the Global Organ Group management and staff, we would like to wish you a blessed Christmas.

André van Vliet