1898 Cavaillé-Coll organ at Basilique Sacré-Coeur, Paris, France

His music is dramatic and challenging, and he’s one of the most promising talents on the international organ scene. This week on Pipedreams, we visit with Naji Hakim, who talks about his childhood in Lebanon and his youthful dream of becoming an organist. He’s realized this dream and proves it with performances recorded at the Parisian Sacred Heart Basilica, and in recital at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina, Minnesota. Music of Bach, Franck, Dupré, and Langlais, plus a cameo appearance by Naji’s equally talented wife Marie-Bernadette Dufourcet. A young lion of the organ, it’s Naji Hakim of Paris, this week on Pipedreams.

From the subtle magic of a single flute stop to the glorious roar of an entire instrument in song, this week’s program explores just a few of the auditory adventures available to organists. Baroque chorale variations and Psalm fantasies, trumpet tunes, symphonic poems, a virtuoso etude for pedals alone, and a racy romp for two performers at one console are just a few of the possibilities exhibited by our talented friends. Gustav Leonhardt, Virgil Fox and several others each provide unique responses to musical challenges as we continue our never ending search for Sonic Solutions.

…A quarterly review of recent releases of organ music on LP, CD and tape, with emphasis on the exceptional and deserving. This sampler covers many musical styles, and offers a splendid buyer's guide reference for personal collection building. Michael Barone is host and arbiter of taste.

…Going on record –a spring quarterly survey of some recently released recordings of organ music, with commentary by program host Michael Barone.

…A cycle of exquisite organ tone poems, and other music inspired by or performed in the landmark Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris.

…Somewhat unusual repertoire and real treats from Europe based on Christmas themes.

…The autumn quarterly sampler of recent releases of organ music on cassette and compact disc, with comments and recommendations by host Michael Barone.

…Music for the Season of Easter....organ and choral selections on themes of sacrifice and salvation.

Contrasting emotional outburst with intimate radiance as we ring out the old year and ring in the new.