Notes That Touch The Soul

A painter paints pictures on canvas.

But musicians paint their pictures on silence.

– Leopold Stokowski

Have you ever walked by the Old Whalers’ Church in Sag Harbor and heard beautiful music leaking out of the doors and windows and drifting off into the heavens?

There, at the 1845 Henry Erben pipe organ, sits a master, someone world renowned for his art and musical prowess.

Walter Klauss, born in 1936 and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, has played the organ and the piano for more than 80 years, longer than the average life expectancy for most. It is like watching magic as his fingers dance seamlessly on the keyboard, as instinctively as brushing one’s teeth, yet with the intense practice and training of a virtuoso.

Walter’s father immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1924, and his mother followed in 1931. Their house was alive with music, and at age 3 Walter began to tinker with their upright piano. His mom would suggest that he just improvise something beautiful, but, recognizing his early aptitude, formal lessons began at age 5.

“In Cleveland, we all went to the Church of the Cross United Methodist Church, and I was fascinated by the organ. I loved its grandness and complexity, the power it had to lead people in singing,” he said.

“When I was 6, my father had a book of German folk songs, which we would play together. He would tell me that if I got lost, or made a mistake, not to stop, just keep going and find your way. We would do that every day for about 10 or 15 minutes. To this day, I believe that is what strengthened my sight-reading skills.”

At age 9, while listening to the intriguing introduction of the radio show “Grand Central Station” (sound effect of a train pulling into the station … “Grand Central Station! Crossroads of 9 million lives! Gigantic stage on which are played a thousand dramas daily!”), Walter knew then, and told his mother, that he was destined to “live in New York City, get the best church job in town and teach in a college.”

Studying extensively with internationally known organist Walter Blodgett, Walter’s musical career continued to spiral upward. Through high school and college, he was known for his musicality and his ability to lead. “My debut concert was at the Cleveland Museum of Art when I was 16,” he recalled.

Following his destiny, Walter moved to New York City and became the musical director of All Souls Church, where he remained for 38 years, inspiring musicians and congregants alike. He also taught music at Long Island University, C.W. Post, for 28 years and was the chairman of the department for six of those years.

In 1987, Walter decided to visit East Hampton just for the day, and on a whim he went out looking at properties with a real estate agent. He found his home on that trip, and it has been a refuge for him and his husband, Shel, for many years.

Music has always been at the center of Walter’s life and heart.

“Music is the nonmaterial aspect of our being and an expression of the true self,” he said. “Even if you are not musically gifted, one can learn to appreciate music and become aware of how important art is for the total life experience. It touches the soul. If we’re taught that God is everywhere, it means it’s within us and can bring out the beauty of life.”

When asked about his favorite composer, Walter reflects that “it is the person whose music I am playing at the moment. I feel I go into my inner being, and it is a spiritual experience. Pieces that I have played again, I see things more deeply than I had before.

“Learning notes is only 5 percent of learning music — then the real work begins. That is figuring out what to do with all of the notes: Where do they come from? Where are they going?”

One day, while visiting Sag Harbor, Walter drove by the Old Whalers’ Church and was fascinated by the building and its history. “So I attended the service one morning and was impressed by the energy and the leadership of the pastor at that time, Chris Grimbol. The age diversity of the congregation was inspiring, and I felt uplifted by the service. I also became fascinated by the 19th century organ and was asked to give a concert there.”

After traveling the world as a soloist, choir director and conductor, Walter has become the musical director of Sag Harbor’s Old Whalers’ Church. There, he inspires all those in attendance with his ethereal music.

He directs the ensemble choir and also conducts the bell choir. “The Bell Choir is made up of very devoted people from the congregation. They are dedicated to play well and work to do their best. It’s more than just playing the bell at the right time — it’s about listening to each other. They’re excited when they hear the difference.”

He added, “The vocal choir is a small, dedicated East End choir. We would love more members, of course!”

Being a part of the Sag Harbor community has been a vital part of Walter’s time here. “I love Sag Harbor because it physically has a real charm, beautiful old homes, and an important feature, of course, is the Five-and-Dime store — the artists, writers, community band, theater, cinema. It has such a community feel!”

Walter has found a home at the Old Whalers’ Church. “I like this church because I see it as a historical part of the community at large. So many people come to celebrate the holidays here. I’m impressed with the members of the congregation who continue to support the church through successes and challenges. A big draw for me is to continue to offer spiritual depth that reaches people through music.”

Along with his work as musical director of the church, Walter organizes a yearly concert series there, “Bach, Before & Beyond,” which welcomes stellar musicians from around the world. This year, the series will begin in November. He also often appears as guest conductor of the Choral Society of the Hamptons.

While others may sing their own praises and extol their accomplishments, Walter walks the planet with quiet humility and kindness — his mind a storehouse of hymns, concertos, fugues, and arias, his heart filled with melodies, and fingers waiting to waltz across the keys.

When Walter Klauss is in the house, his music reaches the heavens — but not without touching your soul along the way.

We are blessed that Sag Harbor has become his musical home.