PROGRAM
Paul Jacobs, organ
Music for Easter day: This Easter day, Saint Paul Sunday ventures to a noted sacred landmark in New York City—Park Avenue's resplendent St. Ignatius Loyola Church—whose organ is one of the outstanding instruments of its kind in the world. From its loft, Bill McGlaughlin welcomes Paul Jacobs, who at just 30 is among the organ's youngest and most accomplished champions, for triumphant Easter selections by Vierne, Bach, Reger, and Messiaen. Mr. Jacobs's performances have stirred a renaissance of appreciation for organ music among critics and audiences not typically engaged by the instrument. His program explores Easter joy in a variety of moods and styles—from the solemn ecstasy of Olivier Messiaen's "Serene Alleluias of a Soul Longing for Heaven" to Max Reger's exultant fantasia on the chorale Wachet Auf! J.S. Bach’s famed "9/8" prelude and fugue also helps us celebrate the day.
MUSIC PLAYED IN THE PROGRAM
- Louis Vierne (1870—1937): Symphony No. 1 in d minor, Op. 14
—VI. Finale - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685—1750): Prelude and Fugue in C Major, B.W.V. 547 (The "9/8")
- Olivier Eugene Prosper Charles Messiaen (1908—1992): L’Ascension Suite
—II. The serene Alleluias of a soul desiring heaven (Alléluias sereins d'une âme qui désire le ciel) - Johann Baptiste Maximilian Reger (1873-1916): Chorale Fantasia on Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme, Op. 52, No. 2
MIXED COMPANY
Mixed Company is written by Saint Paul Sunday staff, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the show and the classical music they love.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Artist profile: Paul Jacobs
