Paul Jacobs / Organ Concert

• Concerts

Not only is »Livre du Saint-Sacrement« the final and most extensive organ work by Olivier Messiaen, it also marks the grand summation of his entire oeuvre, with the French composer delving right back to his early beginnings. Like his first composition for organ, »Le banquet céleste«, its subject matter is the Holy Communion. Though unequivocally theological, this music also has an overwhelming inner depth. It is an immense source of fascination and sensuality. And, lasting some two hours in total, it is also both a revelation and something of a challenge.
The American organist Paul Jacobs, who has been described by the Washington Post as one of the »greatest living virtuosos« and is the first organist ever to win a Grammy, is now headed for the Elbphilharmonie. Since 2002, he has performed the complete organ works of Olivier Messiaen in marathon concerts across various US cities, each lasting an inordinate number of hours. No question, then, that Jacobs is just the right man for this quite daunting undertaking.

PERFORMERS

Paul Jacobs organ

PROGRAM

Olivier Messiaen
Livre du Saint Sacrement