"Forty Days and Forty Nights" - Organ Music to Reflect

On a chilly and rainy evening, a small yet appreciative gathering of parishioners and friends attended this special event. The Lenten organ meditation, Forty Days and Forty Nights: Organ Music to Reflect, was performed by Gabriele Damiani at St Mary's RC Church. The thoughtfully curated program delved into themes of penitence, reflection, and hope. The recital opened with the profound architectural resonance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 537, and concluded with the spirited energy of Christopher Tambling’s Toccata on Aus der Tiefe. Interwoven throughout were chorale-based meditations from notable composers such as Alan Bullard, Ashley Grote, and Johann Gottfried Walther. Through a rich tapestry of contrasting textures—from serene, lyrical reflections to vibrant, robust statements—the program charted a spiritual journey reflective of the Lenten season. It struck a beautiful balance between private contemplation and communal devotion, ultimately offering a sense of reassurance through the power of music.