Gallery Concert
The Sound of the Organ in a New Dimension
Alan Zsilka
Program:
Scriabin-Alan Zsilka: Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1
Rachmaninoff-Federlein: Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Reger: Suite No. 1 in E minor, Op. 16 - fourth movement (Passacaglia)
J. S. Bach: Fugue in G minor, BWV 542/2
Reger: Twelve Pieces, Op. 65 - No. 10 (Scherzo)
J. S. Bach: Organ Concerto in D minor after Vivaldi, BWV 596
Guilmant: Organ Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 42 - third movement (Final: Allegro assai)
Organ music? What do people think when they hear the word? Whatever it is, it is high time to do away with the stereotypes. Offering us the opportunity to do exactly that is Müpa Budapest's new Gallery Concert series, the brainchild of László Fassang. In the view of the institution's resident organist, these concerts are primarily distinguished by their sense of freedom and directness. The audience attending April's instalment of the series can experience this for themselves as they listen to a programme of works by Bach, Reger, Guilmant, Scriabin and Rachmaninoff performed by Alan Zsilka.
But what about the name? Why is it called a Gallery Concert? Because that huge thing under the ceiling of the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, the 42-tonne acoustic panel or canopy that hitherto was always only visible high overhead, directly below the ceiling, is now going to be lowered. This reconfiguration changes everything: the spatial relationships will be quite different, as will the view and the acoustics. And, of course, there will be a different atmosphere as well, since the audience will be seated on the upstairs galleries, not far from the organist. Close enough that they would be forgiven for each thinking the pieces were being played ‘just for them'. And indeed, this music speaks to people: it is the kind of music one would be happy to have as a companion for life, even on the proverbial desert island. Slovakian-born Alan Zsilka, the soloist for the 50-minute concert, is a young Hungarian organist. He earned his degree from the Liszt Academy in 2020. The experiences he gained during study trips to Germany and France have had a significant impact on him. He spends his time playing at church services, preparing for concerts and international competitions, and teaching. Since 2017, he has served as the organist of the Dunakeszi-Alag Saint Imre Parish Church.
Presented by: Müpa Budapest
