Ryan Chan

Charleston, SC    Ryan Chan opened his recital with Dupré’s dazzling Prelude and Fugue in B Major, Op. 7; this gymnastic toccata, once declared “unplayable” by Widor, showed off the capabilities of both the Austin instrument and the organist.  A whimsical reading of Schumann’s B minor Canonic Etude followed.  The audience was drawn to the most sensitive interpretation of Reverie by William Grant Still.  The rousing Carmen Fantasy by Edwin Henry Lemare was a crowd favorite; Chan’s tasteful creativity in registering orchestral textures and colors was on display.  A rare gem, yet the most “cosmic” piece of the program, Mad Rush, by Philip Glass, appealed even to those who are less familiar with classical music, owing to its cinematic sound; Chan’s solid technique pulled off this minimalist piece without blemish.  The imaginative programming had something for everyone, as demonstrated by Chan’s closing choice: the exhilarating Toccata (Suite, Op. 5) by Duruflé, a favorite of organ music enthusiasts.  Chan should be commended, too, for having performed the entire program from memory.
AGO Charleston, May 30, 2023