Maxine and David Van Norden April 13 at Incarnation

VAN NORDEN DUO CHARMS INCARNATION AUDIENCE WITH ORGAN AND VOCAL ARTISTRY

Santa Rosa organist Maxine Van Norden played a delightfully musical program of Baroque and Romantic organ music to a large and enthusiastic audience at the Santa Rosa's Church of the Incarnation April 13. David Van Norden, the organist’s son, joined her in the program with voice and piano contributions.

This was the eighth of the Friday evening twilight pipe organ mini recitals at Incarnation this year.

The recital began with a cleanly played organ Toccata in F major by Buxtehude, followed by Bach’s Schmuecke dich, O Liebe Seele, BWV 654, from the set of Eighteen Chorale Preludes.

Mr. Van Norden joined the organist in a happy springtime romp-around by way of an organ and piano duet rendition of Sheep May Safely Graze from Bach’s Birthday Cantata, in an E. Power Biggs arrangement.

The audience then heard a serene performance of the Intermezzo from Rhineberger’s Organ Sonata No. 4, Op. 98, entitled “Tonus peregrines”, and Franck’s Panus Angelicus, sung by Mr. Van Norden. The program concluded with an organ arrangement of the arioso "Thanks Be to Thee” attributed to Handel.

Throughout the recital Ms. Norden played masterfully using correctly articulated touch for the Baroque and sensitive legato phrasing for the Romantic selections. Her pedal technique is secure and her understanding of correct registration for the instrument was apparent in the splendor of the sound produced. This was a very satisfying organ concert.