Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Volume Six of the complete organ works of Widor includes the late Symphonie romaine, as well as the Suite latine. Both works are based on Gregorian chant melodies, giving the music a haunting, timeless quality characteristic of the modal harmony implied by the original chant tunes. Widor's music is "healthy" music: bold, confident, elegant--there's not a hint of late Romantic decadence about it--and this has curiously limited its popularity. We are always suspicious of music that expresses contentment and happiness, and it's particularly tough to take on the organ, which adds a patina of sentimental religiosity to the mix. Well, here's a chance to abandon any preconceptions and get to know an exceptional series of recordings of some really good music. --David Hurwitz

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6, 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
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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.

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Fitting Conclusion
What a Fitting Conclusion
An Amazing Listen

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

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
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ASIN: B000007N9B
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Moderato
Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Choral (Adagio)
Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Cantilene (Lento)
Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Final (Allegro)
Ste Latine Op.86: Praeludium (Moderato)
Ste Latine Op.86: Beatus Vir (Andante)
Ste Latine Op.86: Lamento (Allegro Moderato)
Ste Latine Op.86: Ave Maris Stella (Andante Moderato Molto)
Ste Latine Op.86: Adagio (Adagio Quasi Andante)
Ste Latine Op.86: Lauda Sion (Tempo Di Marcia)

Amazon.com

Volume Six of the complete organ works of Widor includes the late Symphonie romaine, as well as the Suite latine. Both works are based on Gregorian chant melodies, giving the music a haunting, timeless quality characteristic of the modal harmony implied by the original chant tunes. Widor's music is "healthy" music: bold, confident, elegant--there's not a hint of late Romantic decadence about it--and this has curiously limited its popularity. We are always suspicious of music that expresses contentment and happiness, and it's particularly tough to take on the organ, which adds a patina of sentimental religiosity to the mix. Well, here's a chance to abandon any preconceptions and get to know an exceptional series of recordings of some really good music. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Fitting Conclusion.......2003-07-30

This Symphony is meant to be the summation of Widor and his life's work. It is an architecturally astounding piece for both its structural and thematic unity and van Oosten has done a remarkable job of interpreting both the music and the intentions of the composer.

I am still in awe at the resourcefulness of Widor, who, after Nine Symphonies, gives birth to this inventive yet melancholy work that delights the listener continuously. The Symphonies range in form from stately to free-form to exploratory but this meditative prayer is the perfect ending. In a sense, it is the most "organistic" of the Ten and in terms of both registration and interpretation, it is supreme. Oosten's interpretations are again supreme.

What a Fitting Conclusion.......2003-07-07

I am still in awe at the resourcefulness of Widor, who, after Nine Symphonies, gives birth to this inventive yet melancholy work that delights the listener continuously. The Symphonies range in form from stately to free-form to exploratory but this meditative prayer is the perfect ending. In a sense, it is the most "organistic" of the Ten and in terms of both registration and interpretation, van Oosten is second to none.

An Amazing Listen.......2001-04-02

Though most of our familiarity with Widor stems from his 5th and 6th Organ Symphonies, this work is most definitley among the list of "neglected, obscure classical music." However, this catagory does not mean the music is bad - in fact, this Widor album is among the best I own.

The music is very contemplative and thoughtful, but it also expresses an indefinable control aand mastery of form. Ben van Oosten is a master at performing this work. The recording quality is excellent, and every tone, from low bass to hgh treble, is recorded and mixed superbly. It is an added bonus that these works are performed and recorded on the very organ Widor composed then on.

This music may take a bit of patience to listen to at first, but give it a chance - it is such good music if you do.

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