A May Day Celebration with Organist Gabs Damiani

Performed on a sunny 1st of May to a warm audience of friends and tourists, Spring Awakening – Organ Music for May Day proved to be an intimate and rewarding celebration of the season. The setting of Wadham College Chapel lent the recital a relaxed, almost communal atmosphere, where the music felt shared rather than simply presented.

The programme itself moved gracefully between joy and reflection. The opening Now is the Month of Maying brought a bright, festive energy, immediately drawing listeners in with its sense of movement and lightness. This contrasted beautifully with Rhosymedre, which unfolded with a calm, lyrical poise, offering a moment of stillness that seemed to resonate deeply in the space.

At the centre, Bach’s Pastorella in F major, BWV 590 was handled with clarity and sensitivity. Its dance-like character came through naturally, never rushed, allowing the pastoral imagery to emerge without exaggeration. This sense of ease carried into Shepherds’ Dance, which added a touch of charm and playfulness before the final work.

The recital closed with Variations on Lass uns erfreuen, a confident and uplifting conclusion that built steadily in brightness and energy, leaving the audience with a clear sense of celebration.

Throughout, Gabs Damiani played with assurance and musicality, shaping each piece with care while maintaining a natural flow across the programme. The performance avoided unnecessary showmanship, instead focusing on clarity of line and expressive warmth—qualities that suited both the repertoire and the occasion perfectly.

In all, this was a well-conceived and warmly delivered recital, ideally matched to its audience and season: modest in scale, but rich in atmosphere and sincerity.