ArtsNash

NASHVILLE  

(Stephen Paulus Grand Concerto for Organ and Orchestra with the Nashville Symphony)

“[The Stephen Paulus] Grand Concerto for Organ (splendidly played by organist Nathan Laube) is aptly named.  This terrific three-movement work is positively brimming with big dramatic flourishes.  Laube engaged in animated lyrical exchanges with various orchestra principals in the opening movement, titled ‘Vivacious and spirited.’  He was just as effective in the second movement, called ‘Austere: foreboding,’ which includes a gleaming quotation of the hymn ‘Come, Come Ye Saints.’   The finale, ‘Jubilant,’ was a thrilling showpiece of oscillating organ chords (played on multiple manuals) and fleet-footed pedal passages that gave Laube an aerobic workout.  Laube played this music with effortless virtuosity.”