Carillon on a Ukrainian Carol

Here is another fine American organ composition entitled “Carillon.” This takes a decidedly different approach from the Charles Callahan piece that I posted a few weeks ago.
Even though this work is based on “Carol of the Bells,” it is not a “carol arrangement.” It is a very well constructed Toccata based on a bell theme, which is called “Carillon” in the French organ tradition. Not only do you hear the well-known carol theme, but a hauntingly beautiful second theme as well. The work culminates in a brilliant coda, gradually “pulling out all of the stops.” This is definitely one of Near’s greatest creations to date.