Thomas Wikman Reviews
Thomas Wikman at the Chicago Theological Seminary (cont)
RECOMMENDED
May 18, 2005
By M.L. Rantala, Classical Music Critic, Hyde Park Herald
Pachelbel's "Toccata and Fugue in C Major" opened with intriguing low rumbles, sustained at length. Wikman kept the music
transparent, infusing it with lots of air.
With the music of Dom Paul Benoit, we moved forward some three centuries. "Bonum est confiteri Domino" with its gentle
dissonance was haunting and Wikman's performance was particularly elegant.
The recital closed with César Franck's "Choral No. 3 in A minor." The powerful toccata that opens the work was a prelude
to a storm outside. But Wikman was the greater creator of fire, drama and tension. He capped the performance off by pointing
out that one analyst of Franck's choral deemed it a triumph of life over death. Wikman saw it that afternoon as a triumph
of organ over a rainstorm, and he was right.
The recital was followed by a tour of the Karl Wilhelm organ. Wikman plays it, tunes it, maintains it and advocates for it
with zest and affection. Bruce Clinton of the Clinton Companies, sponsor of these free recitals, brought a small group
to the recital and tour. Wikman praises Clinton's sponsorship, saying "it's a tremendous gift to the community because these
kind of recitals are very rare." He added, "It makes a great repertoire available to the community on a great instrument."
