Donald Sutherland at Northminster Baptist Church, October 19, 2007.
Sutherland, long-time organ professor at Peabody Conservatory,
played a varied and interesting program at Northminster Baptist Church
on Friday evening, October 19th. The strength of his program was the fine
contrast of composers, musical eras and styles. Langlais's Hymne d'Actions de
graces, Te Deum, played vigorously, gave a joyful beginning to the concert.
Guilain's 18th century Suite du Quatrieme Ton allowed a good
demonstration of the colors of the Northminster organ. Vierne's Scherzo
(from Symphonie II) - so easy to listen to and inherently satisfying
- was followed by the noble Cortege et Litanie by Dupre.
The second half of the program began, again, joyfully with the F Major
Toccata of Bach (BWV 540). This was followed by Liszt's Weinen, Klagen,
Sorgen, Zagen, an intense and emotionally-biographical piece that was full
of drama and pathos. This was a highpoint in Sutherland's concert. Albright's
Sweet Sixteenths followed and gave delightful lightness after the Liszt.
Guilmant's Finale from Sonata No. 1 in d minor was the finale. Flashy and
exciting, this piece was a good vehicle to show the impressive tonal
resources of the full organ at Northminster. Sutherland's program gave a
good demonstration of a way to program an organ recital to keep the interest
of both organists and non-organists.
- Dr. William Wymond