Paul Jacobs was the 2011 Grammy Awards winner for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra) in the classical category. Jacobs won for his recording of Messiaen’s Livre du Saint-Sacrement (Naxos). It was his first Grammy award.
The other nominees were Nelson Freire, Chopin: The Nocturnes [Decca]; Marc-André Hamelin, Hamelin: Études [Hyperion Records]; Julia Fischer, Paganini: 24 Caprices [Decca]; Sarah Schuster Ericsson, 20th Century Harp Sonatas [Dorian Sono Luminus].
Jacobs’ Grammy marks the first time that a solo recording of classical organ music has been recognized in this category.
Chair of the Juilliard School’s organ department, Jacobs performed all of Messiaen’s works in nine-hour recitals in several cities throughout the United States in 2002. [See “An Extraordinary Musical Journey: Paul Jacobs’ Messiaen Marathon,” by Frank Ferko, THE DIAPASON, April 2002.] Jacobs has also presented marathon concerts of J.S. Bach’s organ works, and he has given recitals in all 50 states. He is represented by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists (www.concertartists.com).
