Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This disc contains a single work: the epic Organ Symphony No. 8. As Ben van Oosten performs it, including the prelude from the 1887 version of the piece, the work is nearly an hour long, though it isn't really a symphony in the traditional sense. For Widor, the "symphonic" concept resided in his exploitation of the almost orchestral colors of the great Cavaille-Coll organs of late-19th-century France. Musically, the work is an extended suite in seven movements, including an extensive set of variations, two adagios, and a typically zippy finale. Widor's Organ Symphonies remain one of the great legacies of 19th-century French music, and they deserve to be better known. This series is uniformly excellent. --David Hurwitz

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5, Music, Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Keyboard, Music for Keyboard

Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
Average customer rating:

Emotional Paydirt

Emotional paydirt

Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Superb playing by Ben van Oosten

Ben van Oosten's Interpretation

Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4

Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5

Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies

ASIN: B0000021G1
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Vivace
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Cantabile
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Andantino Quasi Allegretto
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Adagio
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Toccata (Allegro)
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Intermezzo (Allegro)
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Cantibile
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Finale (Vivace)

Amazon.com

This third volume of the complete Widor organ music contains the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies--certainly the two most popular of Widor's organ compositions. In fact, in the concluding Toccata of the Fifth Symphony, we are dealing with the most popular single piece of organ music since the Toccata and Fugue in D minor of Bach. Academics love to sneer at Widor's Toccata as a tacky potboiler of a piece. It features an incredibly catchy tune that repeats itself to the point that you can't get it out of your head, and if it drives the official arbiters of taste insane, then that's their problem. The rest of us can simply enjoy it as the vivacious conclusion to a gorgeous piece of music. If you think that Widor is all flash, check out the haunting second movement. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Emotional Paydirt.......2003-07-30

We have finally arrived at the pinnacle of Widor's Romantic era, the period in which he composed Symphonies 4-8. The fifth is the most popular, due in large part to the grandeur of the opening. The sounds emanating from this instrument (similar to one used by Widor himself) are just incredible and exploit the new effects of the "French" organ perfectly.

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. The syncopation is just perfect. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of the composer

Emotional paydirt.......2003-07-07

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of Widor.

Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3.......2002-11-28

Those that know Widor's organ music will find this recording authentic because ... it was recorded on a Cavaille-Coll instrument - very much the same instrument that Widor himself played and composed for. Secondly, Van Oosten's registrations are accurate - choosing registrations simlar to those of Widor himself. If you like bright sounding organ registrations .... stick with the composers of the baroque period. Composers of the romantic literature period pursued color more than brightness. Lastly ...... his interpretations are accurate. What better combination can a Widor organ music fan ask for? An accomplished organist playing the complete cycle of Widor symphonies in an authentic way that pays value to the intent of the composer himself. If that's what you're after .... you will be pleased with Mr. Van Oosten.

Superb playing by Ben van Oosten.......2000-12-07

In my opinion, this is the current recording standard for Widor's organ works. Not only has Ben van Oosten selected magnificent instruments for this recording -and the other ones in the series as well. His interpretation of both Symphonies 5 & 6 is fascinating, Widor has a story to tell and Ben van Oosten is an ideal organist to bring this story back to life. Never dull, well balanced, technically refined. A must for those people that love French organ music.

Ben van Oosten's Interpretation.......2000-06-05

The only reason I don't give this recording five stars is because I feel that van Oosten's performance of the opening Allegro vivace of Symphony #5 drags a bit, and the recording itself is somewhat dark and muddy in tone, more than I like to hear in a pipe organ recording. It needs more brilliance, which may be due to van Oosten's choice of stops. Other than those two caveats, it's a fine recording and well worth the money. Anyone who loves pipe organ music will enjoy this.

Average customer rating:

Widor Complete Organ Works Vol. 5 Ben van Oosten
My mistake for avoiding this Masterpiece
My mistake for avoiding this masterpiece
Out of this world!
Cavaillé-Coll at St Ouen has never sounded better!

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6
Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1
Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

ASIN: B0000021G2
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Allegro Risoluto
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Moderato Cantabile
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Allegro
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Prld (Adagio) (Version 1887)
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Vars (Andante)
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Adagio
Sym No.8 in B, Op.42/4: Finale (Tempo Giusto)

Amazon.com

This disc contains a single work: the epic Organ Symphony No. 8. As Ben van Oosten performs it, including the prelude from the 1887 version of the piece, the work is nearly an hour long, though it isn't really a symphony in the traditional sense. For Widor, the "symphonic" concept resided in his exploitation of the almost orchestral colors of the great Cavaille-Coll organs of late-19th-century France. Musically, the work is an extended suite in seven movements, including an extensive set of variations, two adagios, and a typically zippy finale. Widor's Organ Symphonies remain one of the great legacies of 19th-century French music, and they deserve to be better known. This series is uniformly excellent. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Widor Complete Organ Works Vol. 5 Ben van Oosten.......2006-03-24

This recording on the great Calaille-Coll-Organ at St. Ouen, Rouen is a must for every organ-lover's collection. Widor wrote this 7-movement symphony (the 8th) at his most mature stage. According to the notes accompanying the CD (with which I heartily agree), the 5th movement reveals the serious, intellectual side of Widor, while the moving Adagio (6th movement) is said to be the most beautiful slow movement of all of Widor's organ symphonies. The sonic quality of these recordings demands a good stereo system with a hearty bass capability to capture the sheer power of the composition and the organ at St. Ouen. Ben van Osten's performance of this difficult work is masterful. Get some or all of the CDs in this series before they go out of print!

My mistake for avoiding this Masterpiece.......2003-07-30

I had heard the other symphonies (many more than once) before I decided to listen to the Eighth while - of all things - cutting my grass. I don't remember the yard but I do remember that the first thing I did after my shower was to find this CD and play it. What a revelation!!!

In scope, it is the most ambitious, in sound, the most varied, in quality of musicality, perhaps the best. I have to agree with the other reviewers that both the playing and the sounds of this long work are just fantastic. One can almost imagine Widor sitting at his organ, composing and playing alternatively, trying out various melodies, harmonies and techniques. This recording rivals any of my other organ CDs. Bravo!

My mistake for avoiding this masterpiece.......2003-07-07

In scope, it is the most ambitious, in sound, the most varied, in quality, perhaps the best. I have to agree with the other reviewers that both the playing and the sounds of this long work are just fantastic. One can almost imagine Widor sitting at his organ, composing and playing alternatively, trying out various melodies, harmonies and techniques. This recording rivals any of my other organ CDs. Bravo!

Out of this world!.......2002-12-12

What a magnificent composition! Sadly the 8th symphony is one of the more obscure Widor symphonies, as indicated in the CD notes, this is probably due to the length and technical difficulty of the piece. The contrasts and the harmonies make this one of Widor's greatest works, the the organ and artistry are absolutely the best. I have listened to this CD in its entirety at least 50 times already and I am still discovering new things. Music like this boosts life to a higher level...

Cavaillé-Coll at St Ouen has never sounded better!.......2002-06-22

This is one fabulous CD in every respect! Reading the liner notes, MDG states that "we aim at genuine reproduction." I just figured that to be a lot of hyperbole, but good grief! It was as amazing an audio experience as I have had. I have a lot of organ CDs in my collection, and none of them has achieved the effect of this CD. I have toyed for a few years with getting this Widor collection, but decided that the price of the CD (definitely not of the budget variety) was too prohibitive. I have changed my mind. You definitely get what you pay for.

The amazing sound is almost enough to make you forget to appreciate the splendid musicianship Ben van Oosten displays. It is so tempting with these works simply to go for the "organ fireworks" approach and make the windows rattle, but what van Oosten gives the listener is a measured and marvelously reflective performance.

If you thought you hated organ music, you may simply have been listening to the wrong organists. A CD such as this might be enough to change your mind!

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