The Annual Members' Recital of the Jackson Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, St. James' Episcopal Church, September 16, 2011.

The program began with "Priere apres la communion" from Livre du Saint Sacrament by Olivier Messiaen, a beautiful and ethereal opening selection expertly played by Don Messer. The organ was perfectly suited to express the mystical character of the music with a flowing string and celeste environment surrounding tracings of bright musical images using differing high pitched sounds. Sheila Hess then presented two variations from "Variations on Le P'ing", an oriental melody used by Michael Bedford for six variations. Hess selected variation no. 2, "Sunlight on the Lake", and variation no. 6, "All Creation Praises God for the New Day". "Sunlight on the Lake" uses the melody in canon between the right hand and pedal while the left hand weaves a continuously moving accompaniment on strings and celeste stops. Hess' playing created the calm, restful mood intended by the composer The sixth variation is a carillon that uses full organ with the melody in the pedal under a rapid and brilliant movement on the manuals. Hess thrilled the audience with her dramatic playing and the first use of the full grandeur of the St. James organ. Terry Johnson then played a Kenton Coe arrangement of "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need", an early American tune. The melody was at times played on the manuals and at other times on the pedals with a quiet, restful accompaniment. Barbara Tracy then played a movement from Rubrics by Don Locklair. "The Peace May Be Exchanged" is an impressionistic movement that uses a lyrical and sensitive melody with a supporting accompaniment. Tracy successfully created the peaceful intent of the composer with her thoughtful and skillful performance. The final selection was a Robert Hebble transcription of J.S. Bach's Sinfonia to Cantata No. 29 , "We Thank Thee, God". Carol Durham played this dramatic piece with great energy and excitement. The driving, rhythmic and perpetual character of the Sinfonia makes it well suited for the organ and Durham delivered a strong, uplifting playing of it that brought to a fitting close the opening program of the 2011-2012 Jackson AGO Chapter season.

Many thanks to St. James Church and Don Messer, Organist-Choirmaster, for hosting the event.

- Billy Trotter

Note: Billy Trotter also played, Percy Whitlock's "Scherzo", a fact his modesty prevented him from mentioning. While I wasn't there, others have told me that he played with his usual skill and flair.

- Glenn A. Gentry