Dupre: Works For Organ, Vol. 11

November/December 2000

“This is Volume 11 in the Naxos series of Dupré's complete organ works. Once again, Preston commands the impressive 4-84 Fish organ in the Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas. Continuing the pattern established in this series, each disc contains a handful of Chorales (these are chosen from Nos. 55 to 73). The major work, Chemin de la Croix-one of the composer's favorites-is performed with musicianship and understanding. It was first done in 1931 in Brussels, a partly planned 'improvisation' to follow the reading of Stations of the Cross by Paul Claudel. The separate pieces are connected through the use of rhythmic and melodic leitmotifs into a remarkably unified work. Preston captures the mood of the crowd (Station 1), the gentleness of Station 6 ('Jesus and Veronica'), and the oppressive weight conveyed in Stations 3,7,9-Christ struggling under the Cross. Her tempos are rather slow for the big, loud movements; but that doesn't' harm the musical impact. The instrument packs plenty of punch for the dramatic moments, and the quiet sections are often extremely soft. This is as rewarding an interpretation as I have heard. If the hall lacks the reverberation of a cathedral, the balance and sonority of the organ compensate for it.”