Brilliant recital by organist

Press, 18 April 1980, Page 4

Brilliant recital by organist

By

C. FOSTER BROWNE

The eminent English recitalist, Jennifer Bate, played a programme comprising mainly eighteenth century organ music in St Alban’s Methodist church last evening. ' \ This organ is so voiced that it resembles the organs of that period with bright upper work. Instruments voiced in this way have added clarity and line, and with tracker action are well suited for the performance of eighteenth century, music., Miss Bate is a full-time organ recitalist who tours extensively. She was last heard in Christchurch . four years ago, and the memories of her playing then have remained fresh and stimulating. So it was in her playing of Bach’s great Toccata in F, which began her programme last evening. She played with a quintessence of clarity and gave us a sparkling model of clear melodies all mining in festive brilliance. ■ r,-.' ;■ She followed this with Bach’s Sonata in E minor, in which melodies of utmost refinement? were plaved on differingcregistrajtions. They achieved utmost X

unity under such brilliant playing. Their pellucid clarity and comely shape could bring tears to eyes long accustomed to the untidiness of life in modem surroundings. Hearing Jennifer Bate play this music was like hearing a great violinist such as Szgeti playing the Bach sonata for unaccompanied violin. There were very much the same delicacies of subtle phrasings. In the charming contrasts of Pachelbel’s Chaconne in D minor, and in the assertive clamour of Buxtehude’s Prelude and Fugue in F sharp minor, there were changes of texture and of momentum all designed to capture and to hold closest attention. Mendelssohn’s Prelude and Fugue in C minor, in different statements of style, made attractive hearing. Three chorale preludes by Helmut Walcha, a renowned blind organist, were played with pearly . attractiveness ' -and with new: magical grace.. ’ The programme ended with a cantata fugue and hymn on Ave Maris Stella, by Flor Peeters. This grand old man’s genial personality shone through the musici as did his scholarly erudition and complete sense of ’.fitness 'in musical expression.