OCEAN COUNTY – Dozens of faithful music lovers filled the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood for the first ever recital for local organists.
Usually in church, it’s not customary to clap after the organist finishes a song. But it was encouraged here, as a way to show appreciation for the hard work and passion that the musicians demonstrated. It made one wonder how often they perform for a crowd that isn’t a mass.
They hailed from Redeemer Lutheran in Neptune, Manahawkin Methodist, All Saints Episcopal in Bay Head, St. Luke’s Catholic in Toms River, and many more.
They were assembled by Barbara D’Ippolito, the Dean of Ocean County American Guild of Organists. She organized this event which was called “And Again I Say, Rejoice!”
Although the pipe organ is associated with classical music, one of the composers was born in 1989. Additionally, one of the organists, Michael Snowhill, was a sophomore at Central Regional High School.
Everyone knows the overpowering chords of the pipe organ. It fills the church and reverberates off the stained glass. It’s a sound that echoes the power of the heavens.
However, the instrument has more range than that – and so do the musicians. There were gentle, subtle tones. Delicate fingerwork. Sweeping speed and relaxing, lulling, long notes. The pipes bellow, causing the low register to vibrate, which makes you surprised when thin, fragile, high notes pour out later. It often comes together in a fullness that makes one musician rival an orchestra.
During the invocation before the performances, Pastor Peter Hartney discussed the crowd of the shape of the church, which can be seen from the Garden State Parkway entrance, resembling an upside-down ship.
Inside the church looks like the hull of a ship, crossed wooden beams arching overhead. The pastor said that the organ is the stern of the ship, propelling it forward. The music is like wind in the sails.
The group invites organists, pianists, choir directors and more to visit them at OceanCountyAGO.org.
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