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.

DH0511 - O Jerusalem - $18.95 -

I - Allegro

II - Largo

III - Giocoso

IV - Finale

This piece is absolutely fascinating. It is scheduled as the closing number of my sophomore recital to be held this spring, and it is an absolute joy to be working on it. Highly recommended!!

Posted by David C. Green

I would gather to say that I have been to more live performances of this work than any other organ concert goer in the world. Let be the first to say that if you are looking for music that is fun to hear, and that an audience will fall in love with the first time that they hear it, here is your piece! The work as a whole is Mr. Gawthrope's finest work and should be known as such! This is a work that is not only wonderful, but spiritually moving. The biblical verses that accompany each piece should be stated in the program or orally before each performance!

Posted by Jeffrey S. Benson

I had the joy of seeing this piece early on - Dan shared it with me as part of my research on the genre of the Organ Symphony. I also made a private recording for study purposes, and have enjoyed Dan's humor and skill in writing.

Posted by Jonathan Orwig

I will play the Symphony in two recitals next week In Germany. I love practicing it. Pure joy for player as hopefully for listeners. Thank you for writing!

Posted by Gabriel Dessauer

I heard David Pickering play work at Metheuen Memorial Hall the other evening and was blown away with the music as well as David's playing.

Posted by Randy La Rosa

I also got to hear David Pickering play O Jerusalem at Methuen. What a wonderful end to the evening. This is a great composition. I certainly hope more organists add this to their repertoire.

Posted by Neil Carlson

I had the privilege of listening to Dr. Pickering play this at a faculty recital at Graceland. All four movements are simply wonderful; each movement has it's own personality and opens up the world of organ music. What a wonderful collection of works!

Posted by Shayla De Jong