NAJI HAKIM: Paskeblomst for Strings; Concerti Nos. 1 & 3 for Organ & Strings; Esquisses Gregoriennes – Jan Lehtola, organ/St. Michel Strings/ Petri Komulainen – Alba

by | Jun 15, 2010 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

NAJI HAKIM: Paskeblomst for Strings; Concerti Nos. 1 & 3 for Organ & Strings; Esquisses Gregoriennes – Jan Lehtola, organ/St. Michel Strings/ Petri Komulainen – Alba multichannel SACD ABCD 285, 76:43 [Distr. by Albany] *****:

Naji Hakim, a Lebanese brought up in France, was the successor to Messiaen as organist at the Church of the Trinity in Paris.  His compositions are full of a profound Catholic religiosity similar to Messiaen’s, but sounding completely original, with a mixture of orientalism plus Christian mysticism. The Paschal Flower for Strings opens with variations on a Gregorian chant sung at Easter and its ten very short movements show striking instrumental coloration with an Oriental touch. This is a world premiere recording, as is the solo organ piece, Esquisses Gregoriennes – again using Gregorian chant as a basis. This organ work uses paraphrases of the Gregorian originals in a style perfected by Tournemire and Langlais. While modeled on early Baroque style, it also makes full use of the massive orchestral colors provided by the French Organ School.

Stravinsky and Gershwin are among Hakim’s other influences, and in the two dissimilar organ concerti one can discern more of this. The first was a Dutch commission and has an organ part written only for the manuals, without the pedals. The works shows minimalist tendencies and bookends a touching Andante central movement with fiery outer movements. The Andante again uses Gregorian thematic fragments. The third organ concerto contrasts with the minimalism of the first, is longer, and features flashy runs and glissandos. The rhythms are stronger and more of the composer’s Lebanese roots are heard. While the Rondo Finale draws on some songs to the Virgin, some of it also may remind one of a Klezmer band.

Organ concertos are perfect for 5.0 multichannel surround.  The balance of the Paschen Organ in Juva, Finland, and the St. Michael Strings is just right, and there is a palpable feeling of being in the church where the recording was made.  The two-channel option in this case seems to smear things together, especially using the hybrid CD layer.

 – John Sunier

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