The Organ Music of Gerald Near; Steven Egler, organist; 1997 Casavant, 61 ranks, Central Michigan University. Disc 1: Choraleworks (complete), disc 2: Suite in Classical Style and Sonata in F-sharp Minor. White Pine Music, WPM 203,
www.whitepinemusic.com.
While CDs of the music of a single composer are plentiful enough from bygone eras (Bach, Franck, etc.), it is more unusual in the case of contemporary composers. Most active church organists will have played some of Near’s attractive music, much of which is of modest difficulty. The three sets of Choraleworks are based almost entirely on familiar hymn tunes or chorales. They are brief and usable as voluntaries or introductions to the singing and some would be effective in recital. Egler clearly enjoys these pieces, and his playing and the instrument show them to advantage. There are 28 of these imaginative chorales on the first disc.
Two substantial works comprise the music of the second CD. The Suite in Classic Style, with the excellent addition of the skilled flutist Frances Shelly, is the first, followed by the Sonata in F-sharp Minor. The Suite is beautifully written and performed here with exemplary style. It is a wonderful addition to the repertoire. The 2001 Sonata is a substantial work, with the sections entitled “Chaconne,” “Lento,” and “Fugue.” Dr. Egler’s colorful registrations and understanding of the styles show these compositions to ultimate advantage.
--Charles Huddleston Heaton
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
[email protected]
