On April 12, four student organists performed at St. Joseph’s Chapel. The one-hour recital contained a variety of repertoire: Isabella Chen’s “Festive Trumpet Tune” and “Music of the Night,” Bennett Malo’s “The Ash Grove” and “The Entertainer,” Alex Thompson’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565,” and Veronica Jiang’s Senior Showcase.
Before the showcase, Mr. Wynkoop, Organist and Vocal Groups Lead, introduced St. Joseph’s Chapel Organ: it has a variety of stops that produce different sounds and textures. Thus, organists can create “their own orchestra” on one instrument, using hands and feet simultaneously.
A candidate for the Advanced Studies Diploma in Music, Veronica showed off five well-rehearsed pieces that she had worked on throughout her four years at Kent. “Prélude in C” by Massenet, Jiang wrote, had a “gentle, flowing texture that emphasizes smooth melodic lines and delicate harmonic shifts.” “Andante Sostenuto from Symphony Gothique, Op. 70” by Wildor “offers a moment of lyrical calm and spiritual reflection.” “Prelude & Fugue in C, BWV 531” by Bach, “Adagio from Sonata No. 2 in C Minor, MWV 57” by Mendelssohn, and “In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729” by Bach were similarly well-played, beautiful pieces.
The recital welcomed teachers, friends, and family of the performers, as well as all music enthusiasts who wanted to listen to the organ up close, a rare opportunity given that many schools don’t have the instrument or lack interested students. Thus, learning to play the organ is a privilege that Kent musicians enjoy with much gratitude.
To prepare for the recital, organists took weekly lessons and practiced in their own time. Playing the organ requires expert coordination and musical knowledge, so putting together a piece is a long process. To present their well-polished music at the recital, the four performers dedicated significant time, patience, and repetition. Though they were nervous beforehand, everyone enjoyed the success of the performance, giving thanks to the many people who congratulated them.
