The Tracker, Vol 59

SOUTH HADLEY, MA

“For the first half of his program, Laube chose 17th-century music … Laube’s deep understanding of historical organ registration, his subtle bending of tempo, and his nuanced phrasing was nothing short of masterful.  His convincing performance of Buxtehude and the other Baroque composers on his program made even the most entrenched Romantic shout for more.

“Yet, he didn’t ignore those in our midst who any day would prefer a Clarabella to a Quintadena.  For the second half of the recital, Nathan Laube walked the length of the chapel nave to seat himself at the four manual Skinner console in the chancel … The programming of this romantic portion then was crafted not unlike a well composed literary tragedy, the climax culminating in the Howells, after which the denouement gradually brings the strands of the narrative together, ending with a heroic promise of a better future.

“Nathan Laube, once a ‘rising star,’ is now an international star, and his consummate musicianship is justifiably celebrated worldwide.  How fortunate we are that he just happens to be an organist, too.”