O Jerusalem
This four movement organ symphony in the French style was commissioned by Graceland University of Lamoni, Iowa to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the installation of the Casavant pipe organ Opus 3743 in the Shaw Performing Arts Center on their campus. The world premiere performance was given by Graceland music faculty member Dr. David Pickering. Although intended to be performed as a whole, individual movements may be found effective either in concert or as service music.
I - Allegro This movement opens with a driving rhythmic figure which returns several times, almost like a rondo. Contrasting sections provide variety of both color and tempo, and the opening figure returns to conclude the movement in a flourish.
II - Largo Ethereal strings and celestes float in a harmonic cloud evoking a sense of timelessness in this movement. A peaceful calm pervades.
III - Giocoso Colorful flutes and piquant reeds dominate in this charming scherzo movement. The bouncing melodies and unexpected harmonic twists will often result in chuckles in the audience.
IV - Finale This movement begins with an urgent rhythmic pulse which drives the piece forward into a toccata conclusion.
Posted by David C. Green