Sneak preview of Jonathan Ryan in concert

Jesson Mata

Right here in Lincoln, on Monday, September 19th, at 7:30pm, Jonathan Ryan will perform at O'Donnell Auditorium at Wesleyan University. From an 8-year-old in awe of the organ to the First Prize winner of international and national organ competitions, Ryan has loved the great instrument.

For $15, anyone can enjoy a wonderful performance accompanied by detailed program notes so that you not only hear the music, but really understand what it means.

Here is a sneak preview of the program and program notes from Ryan:

· I will open with one of my very favorite pieces of music in the world: the Sinfonia from Cantata 29 by J.S. Bach, one of the most energetic, vivacious musical celebrations of life I've ever heard.

· We'll continue with a set of delightful late Renaissance dance variations by the then-equivalent of a Dutch rock star, Jan Sweelinck, and the sublime Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor by J.S. Bach, a work particularly known for its transcendent, beautiful middle movement.

· Two English selections will close the first half: a serene free-work inspired from a Psalm verse by George Oldroyd, and the dramatic, profound Rhapsody in C-sharp Minor written during a sleepless night amid a WWI air raid by perhaps England's most celebrated 20th-century composer Herbert Howells.

· The second half begins with one of our own country's finest, Calvin Hampton, a New York City organist and choirmaster, with two movements from his work Five Dances. Based on a rhythmic ostinato, they showcase Hampton's unique, and, I think, enticing, musical voice.

· A rarely performed truly extraordinary piece by György Ligeti follows: the Etude coulée. Written in 1969, it could hardly be a more virtuosic test of technique as its 3.5 minutes require the organist to play nearly 13 notes per second in each hand without ceasing. Minimalistic in character, it also creates a rather intriguing mesh of musical color that, in my experience, has never failed to captivate audiences.

· I enjoy including organ pieces by the legendary jazz pianist George Shearing, and we will have two selections from him based on early American hymn tunes after the Ligeti.

· The "main course" of the second half, however, constitutes one of the most sublime major organ works from the 20th-century, the Prelude, Adagio, and Chorale Variations on Veni Creator by the Parisian organist-composer Maurice Duruflé. It is truly a masterwork, and, to me, a profound journey. Despite its advanced technical difficulty, it's one of the most emotional and deeply satisfying works I've ever played.

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Jonathan Ryan shares music for the King of Instruments

One of the many pieces Jonathan Ryan will perform on Monday's concert is this Rhapsody by 20th-century composer Herbert Howells. (lancemgy, via youtube)

The Lincoln Organ Showcase is presenting the first of its organ concert series with Jonathan Ryan in recital. Jonathan Ryan is a young organist who holds the distinction of having been honored with six First Prize awards at major international and national competitions. His performance in Lincoln will take place at 7:30, Monday, September 19, in Wesleyan’s O’Donnell Auditorium, tickets are $15 regular, and $10 for seniors.

He has agreed to share some of his personal experiences, memories, and inspirations with Lincoln readers in preparation for this recital and said that one of his most gratifying experiences comes when “I sense that an audience, regardless of its size, is moved by the music. It inspires me both during the performance and also afterward when I continue practicing and preparing for other concerts.”

Where it started

At 8 years old, Ryan was “captivated” by one of the largest organs in the country being installed in his hometown of Charlotte, NC. “There were so many different sounds from the instrument and a complex, intriguing console with more buttons, lights, switches, and dials than I could count.” After attending the inaugural concert on that organ, “I was absolutely hooked. The rest is history!”

Preparation

In preparing for recitals like Monday’s recital in Lincoln, Ryan considers the uniqueness of each instrument in its own acoustical environment. “After that, my first consideration is the audience: I spend as much time as it takes to create a program that is enjoyable, substantial, architecturally sound, and fitting.” He also takes into account cultural and contemporary life elements, “sometimes certain pieces seem to speak in a needed way at certain times.”

In preparation for competitions, particularly the Jordan II International Organ Competition, Ryan had this to share: “It was the most intense preparation in my life! For the 14 months prior to the last two rounds of the competition, my first professional/musical priority was preparing for the competition...this kind of focus was absolutely necessary. While it was a tremendous challenge I enjoyed, I won't lie: I have never been stretched so far as a musician as in that competition. “

Some of his preparation for the competition involved learning about the music, composers, and styles, recording himself, conducting from his scores, and coaching, as well as playing many recitals of his repertoire.

Favorite Memories and Experiences

Besides the inspiration that Ryan receives every time that he can sense that the audience is moved by his performance, he holds dear memories of certain places that he has been able to perform. Having just finished his debut concert tour of Germany, he remembers meeting many wonderful people and performing in wonderful spaces “perhaps the most memorable of which was the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig, where J.S. Bach spent many years making music.” Back in the states, a wonderful space that Ryan played at was the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, CA. “The beauty of the Bay Area was equaled by the stunning acoustics of the new cathedral and its remarkable architecture.”

The Recital in Lincoln

Besides the wonderful programming that Ryan will bring to his Lincoln audience, he will also provide program notes that will “help guide the audience through the music.” Ryan’s hopes for Lincoln’s audience on Monday night are that “although different people respond differently to the same experience, I hope that everyone has an enjoyable evening, hear something they've never heard before, are led to think and contemplate, and hopefully are moved and inspired. I love playing concerts because I love giving. I'm truly delighted to have the opportunity this Monday, and I hope it will indeed be an occasion for us all to share and enjoy music by great composers for the King of Instruments.”

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