Organist Philip Manwell

FRANCK ORGAN WORKS SUBLIMELY PLAYED BY MANWELL IN CAS RECITAL

Organist Philip Manwell played a sublime recital of the major organ works of César Franck October 26 at Santa Rosa’s Resurrection Parish. The concert was a delightful treat both for those not acquainted with Franck’s organ music and for the many organists in the audience who have studied the Belgian master’s work intensely.

Franck, who lived from 1822 through 1890, wrote music that is essential in the repertory of every classical organist. The six compositions played during the afternoon’s concert, produced by the Creative Arts Series, were Choral in E major; Prélude, Fugue and Variation; Cantabile; Fantasie in A Major; Pastorale; and Choral in A minor.

A sensuous but perfectly transparent legato technique is required to play well Franck’s somberly romantic symphonic music. Mr. Manwell demonstrated convincingly in each piece that he is a master of the Franck style. The music was played lovingly and tenderly legato throughout. Franck’s compositional style is to present two grand musical motifs in tandem, elegantly bridged together, and to follow by interweaving both themes into a glorious tonal tapestry. The romantic French stops of the organ were used correctly in the recital to achieve the desired effect. The artist’s pedal technique, as well as sensitive touch on the church’s three-manual instrument, was smoothly effective in all parts. Especially evident was Mr. Manwell’s instinctive and sensitive timing of each of the small pauses between the musical themes, as though to allow each flavor to last a bit longer. His awesome performance of “Cantabile,” from the 1878 Trois Pièces, was that of a heavenly vision descending.

Philip Manwell’s long career as professor of organ music, church musician, composer and international recitalist can be the envy of many musicians. He is currently Organist and Director of Music at the historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno.