Organ at Davidson announcement

Dr. Albert Schweitzer was a deep thinker, sensitive healer and a musician who edited all of Bach’s organ works. He came only once to America, a 1949 visit that Time magazine celebrated by describing him as “the man of the century.”

In honor of that visit, Organ at Davidson will present a multimedia musical dramatization Tuesday night at Davidson College Presbyterian Church that combines Dr. Schweitzer’s inspiring words with Bach organ works performed by four guest artists.

The special event takes place Tuesday, March 17, at Davidson College Presbyterian Church starting at 7:30 p.m. Following the program (free with donations appreciated) there is a reception in the church parlor. For more detail see www.dcpc.org or call 704-892-5641.

Dramatists for “Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach” are directed by Randy Kincaid, former Mayor of Davidson. The combination of words, illustrations and music chronicles Dr. Schweitzer’s life from birth through his years as medical missionary in the forests in French Equatorial Africa.

It was in Africa, on the Ogowe River, that Dr. Schweitzer founded his beloved hospital and articulated his philosophy of “Reverence for Life.” Also it was there that he kept his fingers nimble by “practicing” the organ, simulating playing on a wooden board. He was both a Bach scholar and master of his works.

Born in 1875, the son of a pastor, student of theology and later a philosophy professor, Albert Schweitzer allowed his desire for truth to guide him. Sustained by faith through countless struggles and in troubled times, that compass inspired his inspiration of a world troubled in his time and in our own.

The illustrated narrative, with first-person recollections, takes the audience through Schweitzer’s legendary life and shows his devotion to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The counterpoint and harmony of philosophy, music and narration are powerful. They honor both legends of faith and music in a unique way.