Douglas E. Wagner

Celtic Suite

The term Celtic music can take on various meanings and styles, but in general is characterized to musical celebrations that draw upon the basic emotions of life (love, happiness, grief, and sorrow) and the awesome beauties of nature, often with an overarching self-realization of a greater power at work around us. Folk music from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is rich with these qualities in tuneful ballads and jaunty dance tunes (reels and jigs) that explore tonal centers and invigorating rhythmic movement. Douglas Wagner has written an organ suite in three movements that is a true delight to play and hear. The three movements could serve as service voluntaries (prelude, offertory/communion, postlude), or the entire work can form a recital selection.