Organist David Burchell gave a recital on Norma, the town hall organ, on Sunday afternoon. A reasonable-sized audience was generally in awe at the virtuosity of the musician and the magnificence of the instrument.
Entitled Norma’s B-List, the programme included music from the 1600s to contemporary, comprising works by composers with surnames beginning with the letter B, although none by Burchell (or Bouman!).
They opened with Suite Gothique, by Leon Boellmann (1862-97). The four-movement suite began with a strong chordal Introduction, a minuet followed, then Priere a Notre-Dame, lyrically beautiful with softer settings, before ending with a Toccata — true to style, fast, forward moving and melodically prominent.
A further display of dexterity followed with Praeludium in D Major, by Buxtehaude (1637-1707). Next came Adagio in E Major, by Frank Bridge (1879-1941), and a turbulent delivery of Prelude and Fugue B minor BWV 544, by J.S. Bach.
Brahms wrote very little specifically for organ, but near the end of his life composed the choral prelude Herzlich tut mich verlangen Op.Posth.122 No.10, with the familiar text of "Oh Sacred head Sore Wounded".
Serenade for Organ Op.22, by Derek Bourgeois (1941-2017), was more contemporary in style. Qualifying for inclusion by the B minor key was Deuxieme Chorale in B minor, by Cesar Franck (1822-90) — short and cheerful, dancing along in 6/8 rhythm. Elfes, by Joseph Bonnet (1884-1944), was also bright and quite chirpy.
Festive Toccata, by Denis Bedard (1950-), demonstrated true toccata character: showy and commanding, demanding brilliant technique from both hands and feet.
An excellent and very professional afternoon recital.
Norma’s B-List
David Burchell
Dunedin Town Hall
Sunday, October 26
Review by Elizabeth Bouman
