Toon IJzerman | Organ

Performer

Toon IJzerman, Organ

Program

1. Jehan Alain (1911-1940)
   Trois Danses
   – Joies
   – Deuils
   – Luttes
2. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
   – Le banquet céleste
3. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
   Danse infernale du roi Kastcheï (from: L’Oiseau de Feu (The Firebird); transcription for organ: Toon IJzerman)
   – Berceuse
   – Finale

This program focuses on music from Paris during the first half of the twentieth century. The concert opens with the *Trois Danses* by Jehan Alain—his final major organ work before he was killed in action as a soldier in the French army in 1940, at the age of 29. The first two dances each possess a distinct character: *Joies* (Joys) is predominantly lively, bright, and powerful, while *Deuils* (Mourning) is dark and solemn. In the third movement, *Luttes* (Struggles), themes from the preceding two movements clash in a spectacular fashion.

Next comes the mesmerizing and meditative *Le banquet céleste* by Olivier Messiaen, where spectacle gives way to near-total stillness.

The concert concludes with a transcription of the final three movements from Stravinsky’s *L’Oiseau de feu* (The Firebird): the spectacular *Danse infernale*, a hypnotic *Berceuse*, and a stirring *Finale*. Although Stravinsky was Russian, this work—originally composed for ballet—premiered in Paris in 1910, premiered by the Ballets Russes. *L’Oiseau de feu* marked his major international breakthrough and paved the way for *Petrushka* and *Le Sacre du printemps*.

Dance and movement thus link the works of Alain and Stravinsky, with Messiaen’s tranquil sound world providing a striking contrast at the center of the program.

About the performer

Toon IJzerman (1998) is an organist, pianist, and harpsichordist.