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Feeling Organic
Monday, 7:30 p.m. at Makawao Union Church

June 08, 2006

[CLASSICAL MUSIC] When asked to preview Paul Jacobs’ organ recital at the Makawao Union Church, I immediately thought of all sorts of clever double entendres featuring the word “organ.” I decided not to use any of them. Then, I tried to call upon my knowledge of the organ, but could only remember hearing it at ball games. Finally, I attempted to relate to the life of a 29-year-old organist, but I can’t say that I had much luck with that, either. But what I will say is this—Paul Jacobs is incredible. In addition to being one of the world’s finest concert organists, he is the chairman of the organ department at the prestigious Julliard School in New York. The list of his accolades is staggering. Among his most notable achievements was his 18-consecutive-hour performance of the complete organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Perhaps most impressive is his undeniable enthusiasm for music and performing, and the effect his exuberance has had on the sometimes too-conservative world of organ music. In Makawao, Jacobs will be performing a program of works by Bach, Brahms, Handel, Vierne, Ives, and John Weaver. As Jacobs has said, “Real music, beautiful music—you can listen to it without understanding it, you do not need to have studied rhythm or harmony. You must feel it.” We are lucky to have him, and should seize the opportunity to feel his magnificent music resonate off the walls of the Makawao Union Church (1445 Baldwin Ave.). [COREY NIELSEN]