The Organ + Cover Image

The Organ +
The Organ +

Author(s): Maja Smilianić-Radić
Subject(s): Cultural history, Music
Published by: Uniwersytet Opolski
Keywords: The Organ;Recital;Modern music;International Review of Composers;

Summary/Abstract: On October the 5th of 2019 I was honored with an organ recital, named THE ORGAN +, at the International Review of Composers festival. Each piece I played was chosen by Jury from a selection of eighty works made by international authors. Of course, all five pieces I`ve played, were premiered. For me, it was a truly exciting journey exploring the whole meaning of contemporary music and interpretation. Performing two compositions with nonstandard chamber ensembles was a particular challenge - the main problem was how to harmonize the sounds of different instruments to support and create musical thoughts. In addition, modern musical language requires unusual playing tools to produce specific sound effects: the most unusual type of clusters, the effect of pushing back relevant stops, switching off the whole instrument, the effect of crescendo and decrescendo, impressive "harmonic chords" (held in the pressed position by small pegs), effects of whistling, ringing and much more... Professionally, I dared to embark on that artistic adventure that challenged me to explore and learn more about my instrument, the endless possibilities of performing organ music. With a great pleasure. This review presents you with five pieces I performed at my recital in Belgrade with a discreet intention, but a warm recommendation to indulge in the world of modern sound.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 31-41
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: English