Prelude and Fugue in B Major, Op.7 No.1 by Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)
Symphony in the Teapot Qi Zhang (b. 1984)
Eight Pièces Modales: No. 1 by Jean Langlais (1907-1991)
Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'Alain, Op.7 by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)
Five Dances for Organ Calvin Hampton
I. The Primitives (1938-1984)
II. Those Americans
V. Everyone Dance!
Orb and Sceptre by William Walton (1902-1983)
Program Notes
Marcel Dupré was one of the greatest organists of the 20th Century. His Three Preludes and Fugues were considered unplayable by Dupré’s teacher, Charles-Marie Widor. The B major Prelude, the first, is typical of French organ toccatas, with rapid patterns in the hands accompanying a grand pedal line. Dupré subtly varies the formula with sudden pianissimos and by creating dialogue between the hands and feet. The succeeding Fugue is based on a theme derived from the carillon figures of the Prelude.
Qi Zhang, a Chinese organist and composer, is currently Associate Professor of Organ at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Southern California, where she studied with Cherry Rhodes. Symphony in the Teapot was originally written for the Electone Organ. At the suggestion of Cherry Rhodes and Jean Guillou, this work was transcribed on pipe organ and premiered in Église Saint-Eustache in Paris. This piece depicts the transformation of tea leaves through music: as steaming water is poured into a purple clay teapot, the leaves “awaken” and begin a mystical dance. Zhang views the teapot as a stage where tiny, commonplace sticks are reborn as “beautiful elves” that sing a historical song.
French composer and organist Jean Langlais followed in the footsteps of César Franck and Charles Tournemire as principal organist at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. Langlais was a prolific composer; his music is written in a highly individual, eclectic style, with rich and complex harmonies and overlapping modes. Huit Pièces Modales, Op.90, is a collection of eight church modes. The first piece in the set is a gentle, atmospheric work written in the Dorian mode.
The Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, Op. 7, is widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the 20th-century organ repertoire. It is a profound and moving tribute from Maurice Duruflé to his friend and fellow composer, Jehan Alain, who was killed in action during World War II at the age of 29. The work is built on a five-note theme derived from Alain’s name. He extended the musical alphabet past H (the German equivalent for B natural) in the following way:
A — I
B — J
C — K
D — L
E — M
F — N
G — O
H — P etc.
such that ALAIN becomes ADAAF. In the final section of the Prélude, Duruflé quotes the theme of Alain’s most popular work, Litanies. The piece concludes in a blaze of glory.
Calvin Hampton was a celebrated American organist and composer who served as music director at Calvary Episcopal Church in Manhattan for 20 years. Five Dances for Organ (1982) is a vibrant and highly imaginative set that showcases the composer’s “musical omnivore” personality.
I. The Primitives: A raw, percussive opening driven by relentless rhythmic ostinatos. It features unpredictable syncopation and heavy accents, channeling the primal energy of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
III. Those Americans: A theatrical and lighthearted movement drawing on popular styles, capturing a distinctly American, showtune-like spirit.
V. Everyone Dance: A virtuosic and explosive finale. It returns to the driving, rhythmic intensity of the first movement, building through dense harmonies to a massive, triumphant conclusion.
Orb and Sceptre is a brilliant coronation march composed for the 1953 crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. Echoing the grand, Edwardian style of Elgar, it features rhythmic drive, noble fanfares, and a sweeping “trio” theme, capturing the pomp and pageantry of British royalty. The organ transcription makes full use of the instrument’s range to evoke both brass brilliance and orchestral richness.
Biography of Jessie Zixi Deng
Jessie Zixi Deng is originally from Pingxiang, China. She moved to Shanghai at 17 to pursue professional music training, and in 2024, she relocated to the United States to further her artistic journey.
Jessie has performed at prominent venues including the Oriental Art Center(Shanghai), Kulangsu Organ Art Center(Xiamen, China), Princeton University Chapel(NJ), Central Synagogue (NYC), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church(Philadelphia), and Bryn Athyn Cathedral(PA), among others.
As a church musician, she has served as an organist at churches in Pennsylvania and Washington. She currently holds the position of organ scholar at St. Clement’s Church in Philadelphia, where she works under Peter Richard Conte.
Jessie earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Organ Performance at the Curtis Institute of Music. Her mentors include Alan Morrison, Jeffrey Billhart, Thomas Gaynor, Zhen Piao, Qi Zhang. At Curtis, she holds the Gie and Lisa Liem Organ Fellowship.