Paul Jacobs: The Art of the Fugue

(Vince Carr)

On September 8, 2025, the internationally acclaimed organist Paul Jacobs gave a breathtaking recital at Saint Peter’s Church, reminding everyone in attendance why he is regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of the instrument today.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and Chair of the Organ Department at The Juilliard School, Jacobs has performed on many of the world’s great stages — but his appearance at Saint Peter’s carried a special intimacy and reverence. Surrounded by the church’s soaring acoustics and rich liturgical heritage, Jacobs delivered a stunning performance of J.S. Bach’s The Art of the Fugue, a masterpiece of contrapuntal complexity and expressive depth.

Each fugue was rendered with Jacobs’ signature blend of precision, color, and insight, highlighting the intellectual rigor and emotional power of Bach’s writing. The audience, gathered in quiet awe, was drawn into the intricate interplay of voices and the sweeping architecture of the work, experiencing the organ at its most majestic.

This recital also underscored Saint Peter’s ongoing commitment to presenting world-class music in Midtown Manhattan — music that uplifts, inspires, and connects. Jacobs’ artistry offered a vivid reminder that the organ, often called the “king of instruments,” remains as alive and compelling today as ever.

As the final fugue faded into silence, the standing ovation that followed spoke for everyone present: Paul Jacobs’ recital was not only a concert, but a moment of transcendence.