Horsham Music Circle is promising "two afternoons of organ brilliance"

From Bach to Boëllmann, Horsham Music Circle is promising “two afternoons of organ brilliance.”

They are on Tuesday, October 27 and Tuesday, November 24 at the Unitarian Church, Horsham (1pm), performed by Gerald Taylor.

Spokesman Luca Imperiale said: “The popular lunchtime organ recitals at the Unitarian Church return for Horsham Music Circle’s 85th season with two contrasting programmes in October and November, offering a rich journey through Baroque brilliance, French Romantic colour and the expressive possibilities of the organ.

“The Tuesday, October 27 recital opens with the first movement of Sonata No. 2 by Alexandre Guilmant, one of the leading French organists and composers of the late nineteenth century. Organist at La Trinité in Paris for thirty years, Guilmant was an eminent recitalist whose sonatas combine melodic warmth with carefully constructed musical architecture. His music provides an imposing opening, allowing the organ’s fuller resources to make their mark.

“Louis Vierne’s Communion, Op. 30 provides a more intimate contrast, its lyrical character reflecting the expressive tradition of the French cathedral organ. Bach’s Concerto in A minor, BWV 593, his brilliant arrangement of a Vivaldi concerto, then brings rhythmic energy and soloistic sparkle, demonstrating Bach’s extraordinary ability to transform orchestral writing for the organ.

“César Franck’s graceful Andantino is followed by Bach’s monumental St Anne Fugue, BWV 552, one of the great pillars of the organ repertoire. A lighter French touch comes with Lefébure-Wély’s March in F, before Claude Daquin’s delightful The Cuckoo introduces a touch of eighteenth-century musical humour. The recital concludes with Boëllmann’s Toccata from the Gothic Suite, a dramatic and brilliantly coloured finale.

“The Tuesday, November 24 programme begins with Grand Choeur by Chauvet, immediately establishing a sense of French Romantic grandeur. Bach’s Concerto in D minor, BWV 596, another transcription of Vivaldi, follows with its expressive Largo and exhilarating Fugue, combining Italianate brilliance with Bach’s contrapuntal mastery.

“Sweelinck’s Mein junges Leben hat ein End brings a more reflective mood, its variations unfolding from the melancholy opening theme. Rheinberger’s Finale from Sonata No. 7 then provides warm Romantic sonorities and vigorous technical writing, while Reger’s Benedictus, Op. 59 offers a quieter, richly harmonic interlude.

“Pietro Yon’s characterful L’Organo Primitivo provides an entertaining novelty before the recital reaches its spectacular conclusion with Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565. Its dramatic opening gesture, driving rhythms and imposing fugue make it an unmistakably thrilling way to bring the November programme to a close.

“No booking required. Just come along. Entry is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Music Circle’s concert promotions. Further details at www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk or by calling 01403 252602.”