This will be the 5th NAJI HAKIM PLAYS NAJI HAKIM organ CD released by Signum Classics. It will include the following world premiere recordings of Naji Hakim’s works at the historic STAHL- HUTH-JANN ORGAN at St Martin’s Church, Dudelange , Grand Duché de Luxembourg : Grego- riana (2003) – Bogurodzica (2018) – Prière (2020) – Villancico aragonés (2018) – Carnaval (2014) – Sindbad (2014) – Korean Prelude (2014) – Cantilena (2016) – Trois Paraphrases sur Ave maris stella (2003) – O sacrum convivium (2018) – Tanets (2019).
Dr Naji Hakim studied with J. Langlais and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris where he was awarded seven first prizes. He is a licentiate teacher in organ from the Trinity College of Music in London and won ten first prizes at international organ and composition competitions. In 1991 he was awarded the Prix André Caplet from the Académie des Beaux-Arts. At first organist of the Basilique du Sacré- Coeur, Paris from 1985 until 1993, he then became organist of l’église de la Trinité, in succession to Olivier Messiaen, from 1993 until 2008. He is professor of musical analysis at the Conservatoire National de Région de Boulogne-Billancourt, and visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music, London.
“This is truly a demanding, virtuosic work, but also one in which the organist’s technique is subservient to an astonishingly creative piece. His music is, for the most part, fascinating and often intense. I will certainly look out for further releases of his music.” – The Art Music Lounge
“The loud and lively numbers are most impressive but there are, too, some stunningly beautiful gentle moments.” – Organists’ Review
“This fifth instalment is self-recommending…the material is characteristically eclectic. Hakim is his own exemplary and expressive advocate in Augustin Party’s fine recording. ★★★★” – Choir and Organ
“Hakim has developed a highly virtuoso musical language …the meditative movements such as the ‘Gregoriana’, the ‘Korean Prelude’ or the three paraphrases on ‘Ave maris stella’ sound particularly expressive…the classical colours of fundamental and reed voices and mixtures of thirds make his music an enjoyable expression of the French style” – FONO FORUM