Eva-Maria Houben — six small preludes (2022) for organ

Eva-Maria Houben (b. 1955) — six small preludes (2022) for organ
Carson Cooman, organ
Published by Edition Wandelweiser

”the merman cautions the beloved against the human world—
but in vain!

the human world?

yes, a human world such as ours,
a world of wars, hunger, poverty,
disease, and misery for millions of people,

a human world inhabited by human beings,
who never imagine
that a little mermaid is standing beneath them,
holding out her hands towards the lighthouse.

accompanying the lovers to the lighthouse, which—with its bright beacon—
represents something those who are lost can look to for guidance and assistance.”

German composer and organist Eva-Maria Houben (b. 1955) was educated at the Folkwang-Musikhochschule in Essen, where she studied organ with Gisbert Schneider. After receiving her doctorate and post doctorate qualifications in musicology, she taught at various institutions and from 1993 until her retirement in 2021 was a professor at Dortmund University’s Institut für Musik und Musikwissenschaft. She has published numerous books and articles on subjects related to contemporary music. Houben has been performing for many years as an organist and is a member of the Wandelweiser Group of experimental composers and performers. Her large catalog of compositions includes works in many genres, ranging from solo instrumental pieces to orchestral works.

0:00 | No. 1
3:15 | No. 2
6:16 | No. 3
8:39 | No. 4
10:49 | No. 5
13:03 | No. 6