MAGNIFICAT MAGNIFIQUE IN MENKE JULANDER AGO RECITAL AT INCARNATION

by Janis Dunson Wilson

Friday, January 11, 2013

Music of the Magnificat is the perfect concert theme for the closing of the liturgical year and the opening of the new, and the Redwood Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presented a wonderful program Jan. 11 in the Church of the Incarnation. This was the fifth program of the fourth season of the Twilight Pipe Organ Mini Recitals. Performing were soprano Carol Menke and organist Harold Julander.

The theme honored Mary, Mother of Jesus, and consisted of a meditative journey from the darkness of winter to the new growth of spring.

During the entire recital Ms. Menke delivered her vocal lines with clarity and beautiful tone, and Mr. Julander displayed sensitivity to the style of the period of music he played, as well as attention to organ registrations, capturing the range of each musical phrase.

The program consisted of contemplative organ music inter-woven between songs based on Latin texts of the Magnificat, “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord”, and set by ancient and contemporary composers. It began with an organ intonation from Frescobaldi’s Toccata No. 1, which set a tone for fluidity of the plainchant modality. Following was Ms. Menke’s renditions of Dulcissima Maria, with words, “Sweetest Mary, I am sick with love for you, for you are gracious and kindly”; and Nativitas, with words, “Your birth, virgin Mother of God, announced joy to the whole world: from you was born the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God”, both composed by Ludivico Grossi da Viadana.

Organ reflections followed by Hermann Schroeder, “Intermezzi,” and the organist played beautifully.

The program continued reflectively, alternating songs in Latin and English with organ meditations, including Hohvaness’ Qui respexi (with words “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden”) and the Magnificat by Randall Thompson.

The recital ended with an inspiring setting of the psalm that embodies all hope and comfort, Creston’s Psalm XXIII.

The next program, a Jan. 20th “Midwinter Wind Storm” concert, will feature the Fifth Avenue Brass with Organist David Parsons.