Daffodils

Naji Hakim, born in Beirut in 1955, is one of the most important organists and organ composers of today. He studied with Jean Langlais at the Paris Conservatoire, was organist at Sacré-Coeur in Paris from 1985-93 and then succeeded Messiaen at the Basilica Ste Trinité. He gives concerts all over the world, is professor at the Conservatoire in Boulogne and visiting professor at the Royal Academy in London. His work 'Jonquilles' [Narcissi] consists of three preludes on Danish Easter chorales: The meditative opening 'Moderato' is based on 'Jesus lebt, der Grabstein ist zerbrochen', known by the German melody 'Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier' by Johann Rudolph Ahle. The middle movement 'Allegro vivace' is a joyful toccata on the chorale 'Mein Jesus, lass mein Herz empfangen'. The solemn 'Maestoso' with 'Seht, die Sonne geht auf' forms the end of the Easter triptych. The melody emphasizes the two key words of the chorale: 'sunrise' and 'resurrection'.