Reviews

Review from THE AMERICAN ORGANIST, January 2013

DENNIS JANZER: Hymn Treatments for Organ, Vol. 3, Op. 26, WL600269
Dennis Janzer's third volume of "hymn treatments" is almost, but not exactly, a collection of chorale preludes. In all but one of the volume's seven titles, he eschews the word "prelude," preferring instead "contemplation." "toccatina," "cortege," "entreaty," "walk" (!), and "carillon recessional." Essentially, these are short, attractive tone poems or meditations on popular, old-time Protestant hymns. I am delighted to see this recently eclipsed repertoire make its reappearance in our churches, and I hope organists will learn some of these innocent, thoughtful, and well-crafted pieces for service use, recitals, and hymn festivals. One of the most significant bellwethers of positive change is the inclusion of "A Walk in Friendship Garden: In the Garden." I have been baffled for years as to the anger this harmless hymn evokes in a certain generational cohort; and I, for one, look forward to relaxing in this friendly garden! (This piece begins quite innocently, but there are subtle rhythmic inflections that add a great deal of interest, and the toccata section is not the easiest.)
The opening piece, based on "Children of the heavenly Father," is largely in trio form and deftly explores the warmth possible from a wide spacing of parts in organ writing. The piece draws the player and listener right in, and holds on to them. The “Toccatina on ‘Simple Gifts’” is a tricky two-part invention, and to “turn, turn” is its delight. The other featured tunes (besides the aforementioned) are “Old Rugged Cross,” “Slane,” “Sweet Hour,” and “Sicilian Mariners.” In short, I find this to be a useful and attractive collection, a further opportunity to enjoy Dennis Janzer’s lyrical gift. [-Jonathan B. Hall-]

The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 45th anniversary in grand style€…the orchestra presented the premier performance of “In Celebration” by composer Dennis Janzer…[The composition] presents statements of melody, rhythm and musical texture alternately in wind, brass and string sections. The effect is much like that of a collage, ...The composition presents varied meters, symmetrical and asymmetrical, and varied moods from lighthearted to intense.
– Patricia Wellman-Rohwer, The Waukesha Freeman –
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Janzer’s [Symphonic Fanfares] is the most ambitious of six winning compositions of a Milwaukee Symphony fanfare contest. Janzer wrote in some intriguingly layered rhythms, and a calm middle section neatly sets the stage for a big finish.
– Tom Strini, The Milwaukee Journal –
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[Janzer’s] varied style in [Hymn Treatments, Vol. 1 & 2]... attention to detail, interesting counterpoint, full use of colors even for two-manual instruments, vibrant rhythms, and ear-pleasing harmonic settings all are skillfully blended to “paint” the text and mood of the hymns represented. ...Pieces in these volumes work well for service playing and recital settings.
– Hymn Society, The Hymn –
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Dennis Janzer’s Second Book of Spirituals, Op. 20 strikes an appropriate balance between traditional and technique in an engaging assortment of works…resulting in a volume of delightful versatility. …each setting receives careful and nuanced treatment, allowing the emotive nature of the melody to remain dominant. …the collection provides a welcome addition …Janzer’s collection ensures that the genre continues to thrive, sans words, and that the  diversity that these sparkling miniatures represent makes them a worthy addition to the organist’s repertoire.
– Karrin Ford, American Music Teacher –
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[Celebrations and Reflections] is an excellent addition to church and concert repertoire. “Exultant Dance” reminds one of the busyness and bustle (in the positive sense) of Bernstein… “Quiescent Reflections,” …is the most beautiful quiet solo piece for organ I have heard recently. The final “Toccata Real” is a splendid piece, as is the entire Suite, which deserves many performances in both service and concert.
– Ray W. Urwin, Clavier Magazine –
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[Duologue for Organ and Trumpet] Awarded first prize in the 1995 International Trumpet Guild Composition Contest, this impressive piece deserves many performances. …it captures the attention of the audience as it presents idiomatic challenges to the performers. Representing the most significant recent addition to modern trumpet and organ repertoire, it encourages further exploration of Janzer’s compositions. …highly recommended edition.
Reviewer’s Choice
– Ray W. Urwin, Clavier Magazine –
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…the premiere of Janzer’s Suite No. 1: Celebrations and Reflections…was quite impressive. …Exultant Dance and Soliloquy are standouts. (Composer’s performance: Organ Historical Society National Convention)
– Bruce B. Stevens, The Diapason –
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[Yankee Doodle Variations]…It would happily give some light relief in a recital…quite approachable and recommendable.
– Adrian Richards, The Organ (London) –
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[Second Book of Spirituals]…various treatments in a very definite American idiom.
– Adrian Richards, The Organ (London) –
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[Three Festive Organ Preludes] is a collection of useful contemporary service music. “Enter the Gates of his Temple” makes a lovely short prelude; using an economy of notes, it creates atmosphere and mood… “Triumphant Trumpet”…succeeds in doing interesting things within an old format. Here is a fine collection of practical music from one of our better composers.
– Ray W. Urwin, Clavier Magazine –
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The Dennis Janzer - Tom Mitchell arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" featured spirited ensemble singing and witty, dissonant brass harmonies.
– Lawrence Budmen, Sun-Sentinel –
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This lyric and highly expressive setting of Dennis Janzer’s original text should find its way into the Advent offerings of many church choirs. [Love Born That Night] is a very appropriate setting of a text that effectively portrays the hope and peace of the Christmas story.
– Charles L. Fuller, Choral Journal –
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[It is Good to Give Thanks]…is an effective setting for festive occasions.
– Tim Dyksinski, Pastoral Music –