Organist Beth Zucchino at Church of the Incarnation

SCHUMANN STUDIES HIGHLIGHT ZUCCHINO RECITAL AT CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION

Beth Zucchino played a “twilight” organ recital at Church of the Incarnation October 8, performing the “Sechs Stuecke in kanonischer Form,” Opus 56, by Schumann. The six studies were originally written for pedal-piano and are now nearly universally played on the organ. It was one of a series of short recitals sponsored by the Redwood Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Ms. Zucchino has a passion for this music, clearly understood by an audience of 35 with her performance and the perceptive remarks given prior to the concert. 2010 is the bicentennial of Schumann’s birth, and the performer spoke of the zeal which both Robert and Clara Schumann had for the contrapuntal works of Bach. The program notes listed each selection with its intended expression in German and English, and included Nicht zu schnell (not too fast); Mit innigem Ausdruck (with intimate expression); Andantino (faster than a moderately slow tempo); Inning (inmost, heartfelt); Nicht zu schnell (not too fast); and Adagio (slowly, at ease, literally).

Ms. Zucchino used the swell pedal with discretion, mostly following the composer’s
indications, and the inner structure and character of each study was presented with
clarity through careful choices in articulation and registration. The overall structure had
momentum from beginning to end and an underlying gentle, rhythmic pulse.

Study No. 6 was especially beautifully performed, giving rich visual images to my mind. It was as though the story was ending and I was a captivated reader not wanting to close the book.

Registrations were:

No. 1 8’, 4’ and 2’ (flues)
No. 2 8’ flues (two combinations), opening one more fully, second more diminished to follow closing dynamic indicated
No. 3 8’ and 4’ (flues), two manuals used throughout
No. 4 8’ (flues), more full as above, plus swell oboe 8’
No. 5 8’ thru mixtures and reeds in both manual divisions and pedal
(coupled, boxes closed)
No. 6 8’ strings, flutes, celestes plus 16’ and 8’ in pedal (keeping it light)