A packed Church of the Ascension, Mona, was treated to an exquisite display of skill, talent, and agility at the organ by German-born organist Felix Hell on the first Sunday in May.

The occasion was the celebratory anniversary recital in recognition of host organist Dwight A McBean’s 50th year at the instrument’s stool.

The invitation to have Hell present a recital seemed a full-circle moment as, fun fact: Hell returned to the same organ he first played 25 years ago in 2001. He appeared comfortable and moved effortlessly with the presets, which coordinate the 59 stops and 21 couplers on the 35-year-old instrument.

Born into a musical family of sorts, the internationally renowned Hell trained in Germany, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Russia, as well as Juilliard School and the Peabody Institute in the USA.

He is especially known for performing four complete ‘Bach Marathons’, presenting the entire body of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach, approximately 250 compositions spanning nearly 20 hours of music.

Hell came ready to get to work, seeking permission from his tractable audience to remove the jacket of his all-black ensemble — no doubt prompted by the tropical heat of the afternoon.

The recital opened with the familiar Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 by Bach sampled in many films. Its dramatic themes and runs had audience members sit up and take notice. Hell played much of the work with his eyes seemingly closed and his body movements added to the showmanship he brought to the presentation.

He then contrasted with the calm Air on the G String by Bach arranged by Harvey Grace. It was smooth and sweet, almost a love dance with trill notes for steps.

The pieces which followed were Pièce héroïque (César Franck), Retrospection (Florence Price), and Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H (Franz Liszt).

The items could well have been a soundtrack to a suspense-thriller with powerful statements, melodic interludes, and grand finishes. The presentations featured rhythmic firmness and playful elegance all while intertwining themes than stand out when they enter.

In a few passages, Hell was seen playing pedals only, which added drama to the symphony of the sound. There were the flutter of birds, the twinkle of light, the caress of velvet, and the kiss of roses all translating in sound from the organ. An entranced audience responded with grand applause at each measure of silence.

The second half of the programme featured Carillon de Westminster, op 54, No 6 (Louis Vierne); Adagio for Strings (Samuel Barber arr. William Strickland); and Sonata No 1, op 42 (Alexandre Guilmant).

These took audience members on an odyssey, often starting soft and building in grandeur and intensity. On display were the varied sound the great organ produce. Hell gave real examples of why the organ is regarded as among the greatest of instruments. The scores of composers from decades gone were brought to life, front and centre, for a feast. At the end of the Strickland, the audience seemed stunned, with applause erupting thereafter.

The shouts of “Encore!” were obliged by the recitalist, who showed no signs of tire from his masterful and energetic show of technique and knowledgeable interpretation.

It was all rather a fitting tribute to McBean, who himself began studying the organ around age 13. Today he is the only factory-trained and certified piano and pipe organ technician in Jamaica — a status he holds with pride.

After a video chronicling his own journey and words of appreciation from the church community McBean was presented with a plaque in recognition of his celebration.

Rector of the church, Rev Canon Michael Allen, who was unavoidably absent, wrote in his programme message, “Many congregations have had their worship experiences convey a taste of Heaven because of the ministry of Bro Dwight at the organ.”

The storied McBean would then take to the organ to lead attendees in Noel Dexter’s O Praise Ye the Lord to close a thrilling evening of marvellous music.

Proceeds from the recital will be channelled to the Ascension New Organ Fund as the church community prepares for a replacement.

German organist Felix Hell displays his dexterity at the organ. (Photo: Tony Patel)

Rector’s warden at Church of the Ascension, Mona, Dr Georgiana Gordon Strachan presents organist Dwight McBean with a commemorative plaque on the occasion of his 50th anniversary, With them is Wayne Salmon, people’s warden.(Photo: Tony Patel)