Alexander Pattavina, organist, in recital
The tradition of musical programs in Lent goes back many decades at St. Bart’s and we’re delighted to continue the tradition with these 40-minute organ recitals.
Alexander describes how he created the recital’s program:
While planning the program for this recital, after first considering the wealth of organ literature based on Lenten plainsong and chorales, I thought "what if the program embraced the spirit of the season by offering repertoire that is sorrowful, introspective, and even haunting in affect?"
Rather than ending the program with the typical jubilant and loud finale, it would be incredibly moving to conclude the performance softly, with a heart-wrenching work of great intricacy.
While selecting and ordering specific works, a pattern emerged resembling the days of Holy Week! While no single work on the program is explicitly related to Lent or Holy Week, each piece captures the spirit of the day in some way. For instance, on Palm Sunday, Christ is met with cheers of “Hosanna” upon entering Jerusalem. The first work of the program, Jean Langlais’s Te Deum, is replete with jubilant gestures (cheers, perhaps?) that fit that character.
A large-screen monitor will enable the audience to sit under the Celestial organ, an ideal listening spot in the nave, while still enjoying an up-close view over the organist’s shoulders and of the pedalboard.
No tickets or reservations are required for this recital. A $10 donation is suggested.