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WPM 203: CMU Press Release
July 20, 2006 The Organ Music of Gerald Near

MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Allen, 989-774-7327
PROGRAM CONTACT: Scott Burgess, 989-774-2045

On his new compact disc set, a Central Michigan University faculty member pays tribute to the unique musical styling of a premier organ, choral and church music composer.

“The Organ Music of Gerald Near,” the latest recording by CMU organ professor Steven Egler, honors Near, who is considered one of today’s finest composers of church music. White Pine Music, the recording label operated by CMU’s School of Music, recently released the two-disc set.

“Gerald Near’s compositional style is unique in that his musical language is both evasive at times and, at others, extremely personal,” Egler said. “Every note is carefully planned. From the organist’s standpoint, Mr. Near’s writing is very comfortable under the hands – and the feet, for that matter.”

Egler’s recording includes a complete rendition of Near’s Choraleworks, as well as his Sonata in F-sharp Minor and his Suite in Classical Style. On Suite in Classical Style, Egler was joined by Wichita State University flute professor Frances Shelly, his partner in the 30-year-old Egler/Shelly Duo.

The works are presented on CMU’s Casavant organ. The multimedia portion of the enhanced CD includes a photographic tour of the instrument.

Near has received numerous commissions from U.S. churches, universities and professional organizations. His Concerto for Organ and Orchestra was premiered in 1998 at the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in Denver.

Egler earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in music and organ performance from the University of Michigan before joining CMU’s faculty. He is a four-time recipient of CMU’s Professor Merit Recognition Award for his teaching and creative activities. Three of Egler’s students have been named Presser Scholars, the CMU music faculty’s highest annual award for musical and scholarly achievement. His current and former students lead church music programs throughout the state and region.

Shelly has performed world premieres at the conventions of the National Flute Association and the American Guild of Organists.