The Duke Chapel organ recital series has resumed. This was tonight's program:
The first two pieces were played on the chapel's Flenthrop organ.
Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E Minor was flawlessly played. I also feasted on the English language and its unique power of expression. The program notes included these eye-pleasing phrases:
- intense crescendo
- virtuosic textures
- hypnotic movement
- boisterous introduction
- swirlingly flamboyant
- grand projections
- infectiously popular
All in all, a perfect evening at an amazing venue.
Incidentally, one never saw the organist.
He would be the first to admit that the evening wasn't about him. Modern worship leaders could take a cue from that, I think. Get rid of the stage. No one needs to see you. I can't understand why more people don't say anything about this. It's about the music -- and the words -- and the God we are worshiping. I want to be an optimist, but I dare say nothing will change because it's really about us.
Next up: Duke Chapel, Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 pm, with organist Robert Parkins.