JAMES
O’DONNELL
Press Reviews
IRELAND “O'Donnell
is a master of his craft, a man who conveys the sound of the often
monolithic-seeming organ with exceptional command of light and shade.”
“In O'Donnell's hands, the Prélude et Fugue
sur le nom d'Alain sounded as deft and shapely as I've ever heard, virtuosic in
finish, but touching, too.”
Michael Dervan – The Irish Times (July 2008)
LONDON “… a dazzling account of Dupré’s Second Symphony left
little doubt that already, the Westminster Cathedral organist is clearly among
the elect … Mr. O’Donnell set a lofty
mood with five pieces from Bach’s Clavierübung
Part III, all rendered with sovereign command.”
The Church Times
“James O’Donnell presented a demanding program, played with confidence and impressive virtuosity … The high point was a gripping interpretation of the Crucifixion movement of Dupré’s Passion Symphony, Op. 23. The opening was grimly stark, O’Donnell creating an awesome impression … Frank Martin’s Passacaille (1944) … increased in intensity towards massive chords that resonated round the Cathedral: compulsive listening.”
The
RICHMOND, VA: “…
proved himself a master … as he swung merrily through a broad-ranging
repertoire.”
ELORA, ONTARIO: “O’Donnell’s solo organ works provided a
fine sense of artistic variety and balance to the concert. O’Donnell’s articulation was clean and
precise, managing the progressive difficulty with aplomb and control.”
Waterloo Region Record, Ontario, Canada