Drawing on a rich tradition, our music program has been recognized as one of the finest in New York City.
Our Collection of Recordings
The Choir and Soloists of First Church have released a collection of recordings. From spirituals to Southern folk melodies, Christmas favorites, and albums spotlighting the range and power of the organ, there is something to delight all music lovers.
Click on each album to learn more.
AIN’T GOT TIME TO DIE
Songs of the American Spirit
This all-American program of spirituals and Southern folk melodies presents the very best that the American religious experience has to offer. The First Church Choir is conducted by Dr. William Entriken, Organist and Choirmaster. Soloists and musicians are Ellen Goff Entriken, soprano; Cheryl Zilinyi, mezzo-soprano; David Fox, tenor; John Shelhart, bass-baritone; James Bassi, piano; Walter Hilse, organ.
To make an online purchase or to purchase physical CDs, please contact the church at (212) 675-6150 or [email protected].
SONGS OF OUR SAVIOR’S BIRTH
A Festival of Christmas Music
The music of Christmas has become a particularly beloved part of First Church’s music traditions. On this recording, the First Church Choir, under the direction of Dr. William Entriken, Organist and Choirmaster, sings a selection of the carols, folksongs, and anthems the choir performs every year at the Candlelight Carol Service on the evening of the Sunday before Christmas. Soloists and musicians are Ellen Goff Entriken, soprano; Cheryl Zilinyi, mezzo-soprano; David Fox, tenor; Eric Johnson, bass; Susan Jolles, harp; Walter Hilse, organ. Fifteen tracks in all.
To make an online purchase or to purchase physical CDs, please contact the church at (212) 675-6150 or [email protected].
GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY
Songs of a City Church (2015)
In 2015, the choir and soloists released this album commemorating the 300th anniversary of First Presbyterian Church. The choral album features the congregation and choir singing the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” accompanied by brass quartet and organ. The choir sings many anthems that are favorites of this congregation, including “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether,” the Christmas anthem “What is This Fragrance” by former organist John Huston, and the moving spiritual “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel.” A 20-page booklet accompanies the album, featuring a history of the music at First Presbyterian, historic photos, and anthem texts. Get your copy of this collection of sacred music today.
You can get our new album on iTunes, Amazon Music, or Google, and you can listen to it on Spotify simply by searching for “God of Grace.” CD copies are available as well. Contact the Church at 212.675.6150 for details.
A SMALL WONDER
Music from Alexander Chapel
No room for a pipe organ! The jewel-box Tudor room that is Alexander Chapel comfortably seats about 50 people, its gilded plaster ceiling, oak-paneled walls, and slate floor providing a visual feast. This album celebrates the perfect union of room, acoustical space and organ. The delightful program includes works by Lübeck, Bach, L.-N. Clérambault, Handel and others. Booklet contains detailed program notes and organ specifications. For further information about this unique artistic instrument, please visit www.glucknewyork.com.
To make an online purchase or to purchase physical CDs, please contact the church at (212) 675-6150 or [email protected].
FOUR CENTURIES OF COLOR
This exciting recording of the sanctuary organ shows the full dynamic range and color of this outstanding instrument (approximately 5,000 pipes). The full program features compositions from the 17th-century Golden Age of organ music to colorful and bold works of the 20th century and includes works by Buxtehude, Bach, Schumann, and Vierne. Of particular interest is the glorious sound of the Tuba Major, a commanding trumpet stop and addition to the instrument, which is featured in C. S. Lang’s Tuba Tune.
“Four Centuries of Color” debuted at the American Guild of Organists National Convention in Washington, D.C., and has been featured on “Pipe Dreams,” a nationally syndicated radio program heard on WQXR. This album joins the previously issued recording of the Chapel organ, “A Small Wonder, Music from the Alexander Chapel.” Both recordings have been made possible by Glück Pipe Organs, builder of the organs at First Presbyterian (glucknewyork.com).
To make an online purchase or to purchase physical CDs, please contact the church at (212) 675-6150 or [email protected].
Upcoming Music Events
Choir Recording Previews
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS
Listen to Choral Anthems sung in worship
