JEFF McLELLAND AT GALLOWAY METHODIST CHURCH, SEPTEMBER 4, 1997.

   This was a program full of that magic ingredient, contrasts. In the
first place the overall registration was unique to McLelland, in that
he made the organ sound different from the other organists I have
heard play there. A strong point for him, it is also reflects a
strong point of the organ (by Casavant), that is, the quality of
allowing different organists to achieve a sound unique to each.

   The program opened with a transcription of the "Kyrie" from 
Vierne's "Messe Solenelle", originally for double choir and two
organs. Here there were great dynamic contrasts. Thalben-Ball's
"Elegy" followed, a smooth and pleasant work. Next was the Bach
Prelude & Fugue in C Major, BWV 543. In the prelude the reeds were
used in the pedal line, and there was considerable separation
between the longer notes; this provided emphasis for the main theme.
The amount of separation (now termed "articulation", which has
replaced the related but older term "phrasing") was consistent
throughout. In great contrast the fugue was much quieter and the
notes were much more connected - almost (but not quite) legato -
which puts McLelland in a rare class of organists who demonstrate
solid and deliberate control over the amount of articulation they
use. Next was Myron Robert's "Prelude and Trumpetings", a vigorous
but sometimes fragmented piece that in the last portion featured
the tuba stop. The meditative "The Peace May Be Exchanged" from 
Locklair's "Rubrics" followed, again providing contrast. If the
program could be said to include a "sleeper" (NOT a piece that
puts you to sleep but one that grabs your attention unexpectedly) 
it was next, Derek Bourgeois' "Serenade". Done for the composer's
own wedding, it was simply delightful. The time signature was 11/8
(/Oom-pah-pah oom-pah-pah oom-pah oom-pah oom/oom-pah-pah etc)
changing to 13/8. As in any good organ piece the theme eventually
migrated to the pedal for a time, with the hands responsible for 
the oom-pah's. For me, this and the Bach were the high points of
the program, although with Robert Elmore's "Rhumba", a big and 
exciting piece with dazzling pedal sections McLelland brought the
house down as he brought the recital to a close. 

   McLelland made informal and helpful comments before most of
the pieces, a very welcome practice. His playing was phenomenal.
Thanks are also due to the Music Forum of Jackson for sponsoring
this event, and to Galloway Church for hosting it.

                                      - Glenn A. Gentry