A CHERRY RHODES SIGHTING!
CD auditors and organ aficionados with a sense of adventure may already be familiar with the Delos May 2006 release Cherry Rhodes, organist, in Concert (DE 3346). Cherry’s virtuosity and rich musical insights are beautifully showcased in a recital featuring the majestic Dobson organ of Los Angeles’ Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Catching up with Cherry Rhodes in person is not easy. Like bird watchers who dissolve in ecstasy when they spot an unfamiliar species, lovers of organ artistry will go out of their way happily to hear a live performance from a “rare bird” like organist Cherry Rhodes who is always on the move maintaining a demanding international performance schedule.
The other day I had the privilege of being one of a small group of six, mostly professional, musicians and friends, invited to see and hear Cherry Rhodes up close previewing a demanding recital program she is preparing to help inaugurate the new Dobson organ in Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.
At mid-afternoon in the empty Cathedral we huddled close around the sanctuary console of the Los Angeles Cathedral organ and listened intently to over two hours of organ magic. Cherry’s entire body (brain, too), including arms, hands and both well-shod legs and feet created a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sound only achievable on a great organ.
Bach and Mozart were leavened with unusual repertoire by Clarence Mader, José Lidón and especially Jean Guillou, the French organist, arranger and teacher so important in Cherry Rhodes’ career.
Most impressive of all was Jean Guillou’s transcription of Franz Liszt’s orchestral symphonic poem Orpheus, which incidentally is included on Cherry’s Delos recording. In its orchestral form, Orpheus is a sensuous, highly romantic Lisztian bon-bon, but in Guillon’s organ transcription it takes on a serious grandeur and delivers an impact I’m sure Liszt himself would have applauded.
After the demanding program and three encores, Cherry Rhodes added to my rare bird comparison by settling even further into the nest provided by the organ console and her performance bench, chatting warmly about the staggering program she had just dispatched with such brio.
Her Delos CD tells you a lot you need to know about Cherry Rhodes, but if she alights in your community and you get a chance to hear her in person, don’t miss it. Such a musical plumage display is rare indeed.
Comments are closed.