Since a kid in Jr. High, J.S. Bach has loomed large in my world. It may be hearing his music in church had something to do with it. Or, writing my first memorable book report on him in music class at Grant Middle School. Who knows. But to this day, he’s still my favorite composer.
To celebrate Bach’s 340th birthday (born in March,1685), I wrangle two willing friends, and we drive to Santa Fe to listen to an organ recital to celebrate Bach’s life and works, part of the Santa Fe Pro Musica 2025 programming.
David Solem—the organist—is a fine musician. A Peabody Conservatory of Music graduate, church musician, and a psychotherapist, Solem delivered a marvelous performance consisting of three works: Prelude and Fugue in A Minor BWV 543, Toccata in C Major, BWV 564, and Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, BWV 548, “The Wedge.”
Here’s the thing: In addition to admiring Bach, I also love the organ. Again, not sure why. I think church and my father (who briefly worked for an organ business) had something to do with it. Admitting that you love the organ as a teenager in the electric-guitar-heavy 1980’s was akin to saying you love the accordion (which I do). But as an admirer of Albert Schweitzer, a fine organ player and technician, gave some street creds to the instrument. And if Schweitzer didn’t, Rick Wakeman and Ray Manzarek did—at least in pop music.
I say this because Solem performed the works on a newly restored pipe organ in Saint Francis Auditorium (not a consecrated church but feels like one), adjacent to the New Mexico Museum of Art. The organ was donated by Ruth and James McNary in 1936. So, they call the organ the McNary Pipe Organ. Fitting. The McNary Pipe Organ has a serpentine path of construction that I won’t get into. But if you’re so inclined to learn more, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has information. The McNary Pipe Organ has been restored at least three times, the last being around 1957. Imagine not taking a bath for almost seventy years, so it got one again in 2021.
I’m glad it did.
McNary Pipe Organ. Photo: Brian C. Nixon
Before the performance Solem reminded the audience of Bach’s importance to music, encouraging us to “relax…hearing [the Bach organ works] is refreshing…Bach provides us with magnificent divine architecture,” and that there’s “something about the holding containment of Bach, when we hear it, we are held inside of it.”
Solem’s recital was just that: refreshing, showcasing the “divine architecture” and brilliance of Bach. I was “held inside” the music. Watching Solem perform with hands and feet moving at a rapid pace, I marvel at a fine organist’s ability, the dexterity required for complete coordination and concentration. It’s a treat, a burst of beautiful water, a salve for the soul and mind.
Organist, David Solem. Photo: Brian C. Nixon
Solem will perform two other recitals on the organ for the 2025 Santa Fe Pro Music Festival. To learn more, go to: https://sfpromusica.org/concert-series/organ-recitals/.
Brian C. Nixon, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer and professor at Veritas International University in Albuquerque. As a writer, musician, and artist, his interests surround the philosophical transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness. You can contact Brian via his Bandcamp email address: https://briancharlesnixon.bandcamp.com
