Lucis Creator - Dorothy J. Papadakos

Recorded at Old South Church, Boston, 12/21/20, for online worship 1/3/21.

Dorothy J. Papadakos was the first woman to be appointed organist at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and held the position from 1990 through 2003. Since leaving the Cathedral she has pursued a career as a silent film accompanist, composer, playwright, and author.

Lucis Creator (O Blessed Creator of the Light) was written for the dedication of the Festival Trumpet stop at St. Matthew's Episcopal Cathedral in Dallas. It takes as its theme a Gregorian chant commonly sung at Vespers, though it is equally appropriate for the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the ancient seers' visit to the infant Jesus and the revealing of Christ's light to the world. It is quite the romp; its rapidly shifting meters and jazzy rhythms and harmonies are far removed from the simplicity of plainsong!