The moment the lights dimmed in Setnor Auditorium, Bruce Stevens took his place in front of the antique organ. Through his rendition of historic pieces, he took the audience back in time.

Though sparse, the audience who watched the world-renowned organist consisted of students, professors and community members. Though music students are required to attend many concerts for classes, some found this performance particularly special.

‘It’s cool to see someone from outside the school come and play,’ said Ali Verderber, a freshman music industry major and violinist.

When Stevens took the stage at 8 p.m., the silence in the auditorium was soon replaced with a sound that can only be described as majestic. He took the term multitasking to a whole new level, using both hands and both feet simultaneously to play an instrument that most people might find intimidating.

His attention to detail was evident in each of the eight pieces he played. Built in 1950 and nationally prominent, the organ in Setnor produced a unique and eclectic sound. As he played, the sound seamlessly changed from powerful and suspenseful to quiet and peaceful.

Stevens played two pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and said he particularly enjoys playing Bach’s music. He played various other pieces, including ‘Variations on a Melody’ by Klaas Bolt, a piece written to sound like birds chirping. He said the piece was particularly fun for him because he had a hand in it. From start to finish, his entire performance seemed effortless.

Stevens has been playing the organ since he was 12. After receiving music degrees from the University of Richmond and the University of Illinois, he spent a lot of time in Europe, where he studied under the legendary organist Anton Heiller. Stevens is currently an organ instructor at the University of Richmond as well as the organist emeritus of the historic Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va.

The audience was visibly moved by his performance. Some were smiling, but many just sat solemnly in awe of what they had just heard.

Elizabeth Goodenough, an organist from Syracuse, loved the rich, thick sound and had trouble finding words she deemed adequate enough to describe the performance.

Stevens said he thoroughly enjoyed playing the organ in the auditorium. He noted that many students aren’t aware of its status and should take more advantage of such an important resource.

After loud applause, Stevens returned to the stage for one last bow. The impressed members of the audience who waited to talk to him then surrounded him.

Professor Emeritus Marvin Druger of biology and science education attended the concert with his family. He said that it’s wonderful that it’s free and more students should take advantage of opportunities like this.

bihumper@syr.edu

Published on February 21, 2012 at 12:00 pm