If It's the Fourth of July....
...Then Jonathan must be playing a patriotic organ recital somewhere.
It seems that there are two holidays when organ music is positively iconic. One is, of
course, Halloween...think of the Bach Toccata in d minor! The other is
Independence Day.
When you say "as American as baseball," what musical instrument is in the ballpark?
The organ has accompanied our civilization's most central and public rituals for
centuries--both sacred and secular. Religious rites, academic programs, athletic
contests, movies--our most defining moments--are traditionally accompanied with
organ music. Secret societies have often gravitated to its use as well, even if every
single president hasn't been a Mason after all!
Why is this? Partly, it's because the organ has such carrying power in a large
crowd. It has the effect of unifying, rather than just entertaining. Partly, it has to do
with the organ's objective, Apollonian tone, raising the mind and soul to higher things
(even if it's just singing "buy me some peanuts and Crack-er Jack..."!)
Anyhow,
On July Fourth, 2009, Jonathan will give a recital of American organ music
at Saint John's Episcopal Church, corner of Clinton and Hazen Streets, in
Cornwall, New York. Concert is free and starts at 7:30. You are advised to
come to town early to find parking.
While overtly patriotic music will be in evidence, Hall is also interested in celebrating
American creativity...another aspect of patriotism and truly, one of the reasons we
have fought for our freedom for so long.
Saint John's Church is near the New York Military Academy and the U. S. Military
Academy in West Point; it serves a good number of people involved in military life.
Join us on the Fourth of July, and stay for the fireworks afterwards!