Naji Hakim

The sonata for solo violin by Naji Hakim was written in 1995. The opening Precipitato a kind of energetic toccata in binary form is followed by an Andante quasi recitativo a set of paraphrase-variations of the Gregorian melody for Easter : ''Ego dormivi et somnum cepi : exsurrexi quoniam Dominus suscepit me alleluia''. The finale is a polythematic Allegro con spirit in a popular style. The world premiere was given by Hélène Sanglier on January 19 1996 at the Auditorium Francis Poulenc in Paris.

The Last Judgment is a through-composed symphonic tableau that follows the structure of the text of Matthew underlining it in a figuralistic manner. Other scriptural references are also to be found: an image of the sun that turns dark (Acts of the Apostles 2: 20) and before the gathering of the nations twelve chords representing the thrones for the judgment of the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19: 28). The thematic material combines original figures with Gregorian chant: the Gloria from the Missa de Angelis; the Alleluia of the Epiphany; Dies irae the sequence from the Requiem Mass; In paradisum theburial antiphon. The sections in recitative style follow the declamatory rhythm of the corresponding verses in Arabic the composer’s mother tongue. Finally the registration requires a symphonic style organ such as the Goll organ in Memmingen Germany at which the composer prepared the orchestral expression of this work.

Naji Hakim's Pange Lingua for Organ. 1.Pange lingua; 2.Nobis datus; 3.In supremae nocte Coenae; 4.Verbum caro; 5.Tantum ergo; 6.Genitori genitoque

Naji Hakim a écrit cette pièce virtuose pour le Concours international d'orgue de Breda qui se déroule aux Pays-Bas en 2012. Dans les premières mesures, le morceau séduit déjà le public avec des figures de doubles croches brillants et les battements d'accords dans le style classique toccata qui sont adaptées de façon magistrale les possibilités techniques de l'instrument. Un interlude de réflexion (Adagio) apporte un peu de paix et de calme, de jouer avec tonalement charme chaînes triadiques. Le morceau brillant concert de quatre minutes se termine par un final virtuose. / Partition /

Born in 1955 Lebanese-French composer organist and improviser Naji Hakim studied under Jean Langlais at the Paris Conservatoire before succeeding Olivier Messiaen as organist of the Saint Trinity Church in Paris. Considering his significant musical training Hakim's compositions are created from a wealth of knowledge and understanding Concerto For Violin being no exception. Composed in 2002 Concerto For Violin with String Orchestra or Piano reduction accompaniment is highly modern in composition. With a typical performance lasting about 35 minutes the concerto is made up of three movements. Thesolo Violin line addresses many virtuosic techniques including double and triple stops articulation complex rhythms varying bowings and a huge range of performance directions amongst other aspects. For all advanced violinists seeking varied modern repertoire Hakim's Concerto For Violin is an essential addition to the repertoire. This is a reduction for Violin and Piano.

Intended as pedal keyboard solos these organ pieces cover the range C1-F3. The first Étude-Caprice  Scherzando is a bouncy piece in arch form. The declamatory style of the second  Mesto forms a striking contrast: bass and treble registers set out distinct motives as though dialoguing in a play. In the second part of this movement a new motive  tenebroso is developed over a swaying ostinato in the lowest register. The third piece Giocoso is a badinerie (banter) with a Stravinskian theme. The last Étude-Caprice  Alla russa juxtaposes three strophes in toccata style.