A magnificent concert by Carlos Peterson as part of the 5th Organ Festival

Organ concerts are not intended solely for classical music connoisseurs. Attending a concert does not require the listener to know the difference between D major and d minor, the biographies of composers, or how to identify the titles of compositions. All that’s needed is a willingness and curiosity to experience something that engages the ear, the imagination, and a sense of space. The church is not merely a backdrop here, but becomes an integral part of the pieces being performed.

In the next concert of the 5th Organ Festival organized by the Asociación Cultural del Órgano Tubular at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church in Torrevieja, despite the fiestas taking place at the same time, a large audience had the opportunity to enjoy a recital of the highest artistic caliber, performed by organ virtuoso Carlos Paterson. Thanks to the large screen, everyone could observe the artist’s interpretive maturity, exceptional discipline, technical precision, and subtlety in his choice of stops—and these were just some of the performance qualities of this outstanding virtuoso from Valencia.

In a masterful recital featuring pieces and works from the Iberian Renaissance and the European Baroque periods, the artist opened with a piece by Joseph Ximénez (1600–1672) titled “Batalla de 6 tono.” This was followed by a series of pieces in which the characteristic interplay of emotion and structure was palpable. “Pavana con su glosa” by A. Cabezón (1510–1566), “Corrente Italiana” by J.B. Cabanilles (1644–1712), “Tiento de falsas de 1 tono” —Pablo Bruna (1611–1679), and “Batalla Imperial” by J.B. Cabanilles—are distinctive, short pieces that Paterson arranged in the form of a story collection. I enjoy stories told this way, ones that are full of emotion, sensitivity, and a variety of musical beauty and artistry. Listening closely, In Patterson’s performance, we can feel the space and the soul. His interpretations revealed an exquisite balance of proportions and a focus on detail.

In subsequent works—Toccata and Fugue in C Major by Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706)

Dietrich Buxtehude’s (1637–1707) Passacaglia in D minor, along with two chorales and J.S. Bach’s (1685–1750) “Fantasia” in G major, Carlos Paterson demonstrated perfect technical finesse and a kaleidoscopic range of dynamics, keeping the audience’s attention riveted and focused. It is truly admirable how the organ at the Dagrado Corazón de Jesus Church can sound so wonderful, intriguing, dynamic, and colorful, while at the same time completely and magnificently filling the church’s space with sound.

In a word, the audience was treated to a truly masterful recital of Renaissance and Baroque music. AWESOME!!! A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE!!!