THE 11TH ANNUAL AGO CHORAL-ORGAN FESTIVAL WITH THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
   CHORALE, W. CORTEZ CASTILLA, DIRECTOR, AND CHRISTOPHER BRUNT, ORGANIST, AT
   FONDREN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FEBRUARY 21, 1997.

      The program opened with the anthem "Saul", by Egil Hovlund, with organ.
   This piece focussed on Saul's persecution of the early Christians, and
   included narration, an exceptionally wide range of dynamics, and a dramatic
   organ accompaniment. It was very effectively done, with the choir barely
   audible in the ppp passages, and the organ brilliant in its turn. The JSU
   choir handles dynamic extremes quite well (see review in THE
   CONTINUO of Jan 1, 1997) and did so here.

      Next Chris Brunt played a group of four organ pieces, beginning with the
   J.S. Bach Fantasia & Fugue in a Minor (BWV 561). This was played with a
   light registration and lively tempo, and was consistently well-articulated.
   It was my favorite of the four. The Andantino by Cesar Franck was next, and
   was colorfully registered. The Paul Hindemith Sonata I followed, and again
   featured variety and color. Of the four movements the third was notable
   for its boldness, while the fourth was lightly played. The last organ piece
   was "Alleluyas", by the British organist Simon Preston. Contemporary in
   harmony, it seemed improvisatory and repetitive - almost jazzy - in style.
   The Zimbelstern added a light and pleasant touch. 

      The JSU Chorale closed the concert with Randall Thompson's "The
   Peaceable Kingdom", sung a capella. A considerable amount of expressiveness
   is actually written into the music; an example is the extended melismatic
   treatment of the phrase "Howl Ye". To this innate quality the JSU Chorale
   added another dimension of expressiveness that made this a very powerful
   performance. The last chorus, "Ye Shall Have A Song", for double choir,
   was especially moving. Randall Thompson is probably best known for his
   a capella anthem "Alleluia", but "The Peaceable Kingdom" is clearly a
   masterpiece. The JSU Chorale deserves our thanks for reviving it in
   Jackson. 
                                     - Glenn A. Gentry