Chemin de la Croix: a Great Work in a Great Space...for a Great
Audience...Given a Great Performance
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original press release can be found here.
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RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, APRIL 6, 2009. Jonathan B. Hall gave a beautiful
performance of Le Chemin de la Croix, Marcel Dupre's haunting (and daunting) organ
masterpiece, for a large and appreciative audience here yesterday.
The First Presbyterian Church, a landmark in this town, drew an impressive crowd for the
Palm Sunday recital. The organ, a seven-division Moller installed under the supervision of
Jack Rodland in the 1960's, was registered and played in a way that honored the French
spirit of the work, yet revealed it for an American audience in linear clarity.
The poetry of Paul Claudel, so often read during American performances of the work, was
wisely omitted, as it does not really relate to the music at all. Its appearance at American
recitals is more the result of "historical correctness" than esthetic appropriateness, regardless
of the language used.
Prolonged applause came from the audience, many of whom reported being moved to tears.
Afterwards, a beautiful reception was hosted by the church.
Warm thanks go to Pastor Peter Wilkinson, Music Director Peggy Hsiao, and Tom and the
other members of the church committees which made the event possible. The church's
hospitality during the preparation process was truly wonderful as well. The often-unsung page
turner, saxophonist Bill Powers, did a superb job and minimized the chance of organist
nerves!
Jonathan Hall sees yesterday's recital, however successful, as just another stage in the
journey of really internalizing the work. Today, he intends to practice it further, and begin to
codify his ideas about it in an article.
Inquiries about workshops, masterclasses, and performances of the Chemin are warmly
invited.