Sacred Music: Marimba Meets Organ

In this concert, the French percussionist Adélaïde Ferrière and the German organist Kay Johannsen engage in a musical dialogue. The focus is not solely on virtuosity, but especially on the sensitive interplay of two instruments that could hardly be more different at first glance: the organ, with its majestic sound fullness, meets the marimba, which captivates with its clear, yet warm tone and lively rhythm.

At the center of the program is the connection between both sound worlds through works by Johann Sebastian Bach: the imposing chorale fantasy "Komm, heiliger Geist, Herr Gott" BWV 651 for solo organ is contrasted with the Chaconne BWV 1004 in an arrangement for solo marimba. Together, Ferrière and Johannsen interpret the Concerto BWV 1060 in C minor for two harpsichords – here in a version for marimba and organ. The musical dialogue continues in Kay Johannsen's own work "Entre nous." In Philip Glass's "Mad Rush" for both instruments, Bach's preference for the motoric penetration of music seems to resonate. In these duo compositions, melodies, timbres, and rhythms not only merge with each other but also with the breathing acoustics of St. Pölten Cathedral, creating an impressive listening experience.

Work introduction: in the summer refectory at 5:00 PM with Alexander Moore.