JÁNOS PÁLÚR & ÁBRAHÁM CONSORT

In the 110 years since the inauguration of the Liszt Academy organ, the beautiful facade of the instrument, resplendent with coat of arms and all its Art Nouveau ornamentation, has become a true symbol of the institution. After many vicissitudes and the work of several years, since autumn 2018 the ‘queen of instruments’ is once again dressed in all its original finery, and this evening’s principal player, János Pálúr, is closely associated with the reconstruction because he was one of the experts leading the project. The experienced organist makes this wonderful instrument sound in the company of a young and extremely talented vocalist as well as Ábrahám Consort specialized in the performance of 17-18th century music. Works by two giants of Baroque music, Bach and Händel, are complemented by Purcell, an artist who is sadly little performed in Hungary. ‘Praise Ye God, in all Lands!’ is the translated title of the closing work, a cantata written by Bach for soprano and trumpet, and perhaps the most apposite description of this programme also celebrating the rebirth of the famous organ.