Paul Jacobs - Wayne Oquin, Parker & Rouse: Organ Concertos (LP)

Paul Jacobs, renowned organ virtuoso, presents an enthralling collection of American organ concertos with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Giancarlo Guerrero. Released on August 23, 2024, by Naxos, this album features works by Wayne Oquin, Horatio Parker, and Christopher Rouse, showcasing a diverse range of styles and sonorities that highlight the organ's versatility and power.

The album opens with Wayne Oquin's Organ Concerto in E-Flat Minor, Op. 55, a three-movement work that blends lyrical melodies with rhythmic drive. Christopher Rouse's Organ Concerto follows, notable for its striking contrast between dark and light sonorities, both in instrumentation and harmony. The album concludes with Rouse's Variations on "America," a patriotic tribute that transforms the familiar melody into a series of inventive and engaging variations.

Throughout the album, Paul Jacobs demonstrates his extraordinary technical prowess and musical sensitivity, bringing out the unique character of each piece. The Nashville Symphony Orchestra provides rich, supportive accompaniment, with Giancarlo Guerrero's precise and expressive conducting drawing out the full potential of the music.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of American organ concertos, from the romanticism of Parker to the modernism of Rouse. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the organ concerto, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.