Organ Superstar: Paul Jacobs

This is a recital concert we want back in January.  It is part of the Pacific Symphony's Pedals and Pipes Organ Series, featuring Paul Jacobs.

The screen was placed on the stage, so the folks far away can see Paul play the organ.  And of course, it showed his footwork as well!

Paul Jacobs has been coming to Orange County every other year for some time now.  On top of being a spectacular organist, he is a wonderful person.  I can't speak for his students at Juilliard, but he's always gentle and patient, and I've never seen him seem a slight bit irritated!  :)

Johann Sebastian Bach:  Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565

Johann Sebastian Bach:  Trio Sonata in E Minor, BWV 528

Johann Sebastian Bach:  ”Arioso” from Cantata, BWV 156

Johann Sebastian Bach:  Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532

Franz Liszt:  Fantasia and Fugue on “Ad Nos, Ad Salutarem Undam”

The first half of the concert was all J. S. Bach, changing the Trio Sonata from the program notes (because he can!).  It showed Bach's virtuosic side, technical side, tender side, and cheerful side.  After the majestic piece by the half-gypsy half-priest Liszt, Paul closed the concert with another Bach encore, the Gigue Fugue.

Paul has played the entire organ works of Bach in one day several years ago.  I wish I could have sit in on that.  :)

If he publishes a Bach organ work box set, I'm sure to buy without hesitation!

You can sample Paul's organ on Amazon.

I think Messiaen is another composer he did a complete-works-in-one-day on.  :)