Complete Works for Organ

1. Grande pièce symphonique, for organ in F sharp minor, Op. 17, M. 29
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

2. Pastorale, for organ in E major, Op. 19, M. 31
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

3. Chorals (3), for organ, M. 38-40
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

4. Chorals (3), for organ, M. 38-40
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

5. Chorals (3), for organ, M. 38-40
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

6. Prélude, fugue, et variations, for piano & harmonium, or 2 pianos, Op. 18, M. 30a
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

7. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

8. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

9. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

10. Fantasy, for organ in C major, Op. 16, M. 28
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

11. Prière, for organ in C sharp minor, Op. 20, M. 32
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

12. Final, for organ in B flat major, Op. 21, M. 33
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Murray Stewart

Tracks:

Tuning Up
Amques (Original Version)
Po ectronique
Arcana
Nocturnal
Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Orchestral Version)

Tracks:

Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version)
Offrandes: Chanson de laut
Offrandes: La Croix du Sud
Hyperprism
Octandre: Assez lent
Octandre: Trvif et nerveux
Octandre: Grave - Animt jubilatoire
Intales
Ecuatorial
Ionisation
Density 21.5
Drts: 1st Episode
Drts: 1st interpolation of organized sound
Drts: 2nd episode
Drts: 2nd interpolation
Drts: 3rd episode
Drts: 3rd interpolation
Drts: 4th episode
Dance for Burgess

Amazon.com essential recording

For a composer who is (now) recognizably part of the 20th-century classical canon, the French émigré Edgard Varèse's output was astoundingly meager. Just 15 compositions from his entire life (he destroyed the compositions from his early years, and was a merciless editor of his own material in general) made it out to the listening world. Varèse was caught in the chasm between the music of yesterday and the music of tomorrow: scoring music for modified theremin, steamboat whistles, or air sirens, all balanced with the force of a large orchestra; writing pieces based on the flows of water and wind because that's what shapes the earth; using the concepts of chemical reactions and specific gravity as a basis for his music. Using extremes of contrast, dissonance, and variety in sound, Varèse's pieces had power in the way he attacked and shaped the sound he imagined. From Ionisation (1929), scored almost entirely for unpitched percussion, to the electronic-only, three-dimensionally produced Poeme Electronique (1958), he's provided a foundation that many genres, musicians, and composers were to build from not only for the next 40 years, but inevitably beyond. --Robin Edgerton

Customer Reviews:

Superb with just one reservation.......2006-11-10

This complete works of Varèse, superbly performed and recorded, is a fine accomplishment. My only disappointment was its version of Poème Elèctronique being the sole representation of that ground-breaking work that still holds up for me today as one of the finest pieces of electronic music yet created. It is interesting to be able to hear the version in this collection, which appears to be a loving restoration of what must have been primarily the raw, performing version, to be further enhanced during its performances in a very large space? What I miss in the present version is the more clearly heard textures of its huge sound palette; the resonant and often humerous interplay between them, and its dramatic sweep as it was presented on a sparcely documented stereo mix that first appeared on a Columbia Records LP, later reissued on a CD, now out of print. That one is surely more like an actual performance, presumably mixed to re-create as well as possible then what it might have sounded like over its four hundred loudspeakers in the Philips Pavillion. I hope there will be further reissues. To me the CBS version's drama and energy are more like that of the performances of the other pieces in this wonderful Complete Works set. -Curt Wittig

Go ahead, test your intelligence..........2006-06-18

Frank Zappa used to play Varese to test the intelligence of his friends, and most of them used to look at him like he was "out of his f---ing mind" as he put it. As a major Zappa fan, I bought this compliation, and I love every minute of it. This 2 CD set contains all of Varese's work (needless to say, Edgar wasn't very prolific). You really hear Varese's influence in Zappa's work. Some favorite pieces are Deserts, Poem Electronique, and Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version). Varese's music reminds me of universes being created, in all their violence, beauty, and glory. Instruments crashing down upon one another. This music is reminiscent of Zappa's Weasels Ripped My Flesh and his orchestral work especially. Varese is one of the great American composers, like Aaron Copland, John Cage, and Conlon Nancarrow. Superb....

The definitive recordings........2005-11-09

Riccardo Chailly once said Varèse was going to be the Brahms of the XXI Century. I really don't know if he will be right or wrong, specially because of the very conservative auditoriums we have all around the world, but it should be this way, as the french composer has died too many years ago and his music should be understood but most of the public. It's sad to know that composers, like the own Mahler said, use to be years, decades, even centuries in advance to the general public .

Anyway, it's very important for the popular knowledge of this composers to have recordings like this, in which everything works perfectly as if it was a clock. After many years having some good recordings conducted by Boulez (Sony) and Nagano (Erato) mainly, we have now the possibility of listening one of the most musical and technical orchestra & baton of this time: The Concertgebouworkest and Riccado Chailly.

Most of the versions in this 2CDs set are the best I know, specially the orchestral works, played with conviction and precision by the Concertgebouworkest, an orchestra that had some problems with Mr.Chailly when they begin to play this, for them, `rare' music. The way Arcana sounds its incredible, full of power, mistery and perfection, the performing of Ameriques is breathtaking and I can only compare it with the truly outstanding version by Pierre Boulez with the CSO for DG. Deserts is a new dimension in Chailly's hands, really terrible and full of dark emotions.

Of course, there are little things that could be a bit better, like the Spanish sung in Ecuatorial, better sung in Nagano's version, but generally the performing is marvellous and the instrumental and ondes Martenot's playing in this piece is perfect in Chailly's version.

The ASKO Ensemble versions are outstanding too, showing a very modern Varèse. The performing of Ionisation, that great jewel, listened with a good Hi-Fi system is a experience not to be lost.

The recordings are very good, not outstanding, as it sounds like distant sometimes, but clear and with good definition, of course better with good electronics.

Booklet and presentation of the box is marvellous too; as it has to be in real event in recorded music in the last decades.

Sound Splitting Music.......2002-06-25

First, let me state that I am a long-time Varese fanatic. I first heard Ionisation live at a contemporary music concert in my town when I was 12, and I was hooked. I immediately bought the old Robert Craft double album on Columbia and played it until there were scratches on the scratches. So I was overjoyed to see a modern "complete" recording with up to date sonics. For the most part, I haven't been too disappointed with the performances either.

Chailly is great on much of this music. Ameriques and Arcana are sonic extravagazas. And this is the best recording I've heard of Nocturnal and Ecuatorial. Chailly does a good job with the chamber pieces of the 20s and 30s, though I agree with other reviewers, Boulez is much clearer on Ionisation. Chailly misses some of my favorite parts, and I find it hard to hear the first snare drum theme. (I'm also quite partial to Craft's version, but I don't think it's available anymore.)

I also must add to the chorus of exceptions on the questionable material. The orhestrated version of the solo song has no place on this CD. It doesn't sound like Varese, more like Debussy, and though the song is quite impressionistic, I think we presume too much to orchestrate it and pass it off as "complete" Varese. And neither Tune Up nor Dance for Burgess really add much to our understanding of Varese, and are of questionable value. I suspect that Varese would have destroyed them completely had he been able. Much better to have a recording of the revised version of Ameriques. The revision is so extensive, that a side by side comparison would be illuminating.

All in all, I like this CD. Chailly's take on Varese is big and passionate, something that I think both Boulez and Craft miss. Abravanel comes close to this passion, but Chailly wins because of the gorgeous sonics. I highly recommend this CD to those interested in exploring the unique sound world of Varese.

An aural knockout.......2002-02-01

Here are two discs with some of the most exciting 20th-century music around. Chailly and the Concertgebouw give definitive readings of Varèse's complex pieces, some written for a huge orchestra, and recorded in typically opulent London sound.

My favorites are, without a doubt, "Ameriques" and "Arcana," two explosive showpieces that will give your sound system quite a workout. But far from being merely loud, the scores have many beautiful textures (including quiet ones) scattered throughout the orchestra, and Chailly captures much of the glittering detail.

I even like "Tuning Up," which may seem like a less substantial work to most ears. To be fair, if the piece is not the last word in Varèse's imagination, it is clever enough for its short duration, and as with everything on this disc, the orchestra sounds superb and totally undaunted. Their virtuosity is both satisfying and thrilling, especially in such seldom-performed music.

Make sure your neighbors are away before turning up the performance of "Ameriques," though - the last few pages will blow your roof off.

I suspect Varèse would have loved this collection.

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.

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Bach with a nice difference
No Need to Look Further
Rave reviews in the music press

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Raven Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Johann Sebastian Bach: Toccatas and Fugues - Christopher Herrick, Organ
Bach: Orchestral Suites & Concertos
François Couperin: Chamber Music (Complete)
Bach: Cantatas & Masses
Bach: Organ Works

ASIN: B000GW8RFC
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Customer Reviews:

Bach with a nice difference.......2007-02-16

Bach, hmmmm, one of the desert island composers for me. I own three complete organ works (yeah I need a life). This is one of the better. The recording quality is faultless. And for a laugh, listen to the wonderfull reeds of the pedal department jumping from left to right (speaker) in BWV 550 ... Prelude and Fugue in G Major ... I just love stereo when the mics are right in the middle of the organ and you hear the pipes singing from left to right!! Another wonderful surprise was Ritchie's use of the 32' reed stop in the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

I can almost hear the purists intake of breath, tsk tsk's and see their rolling eyes. However, Bach did travel around central Germany and I read in Grove's Dictionary his comment about the wonderful 32' stop at Leipzig.

The collection of American organs on this set was also an eye opener for me (not being from America) and only knowing about the monster organs like St. John the Devine (NY) or the Wannamaker. It's good to know that there are some beautifully voiced and balanced smaller organs to be found.

No Need to Look Further.......2007-01-04

All the superlative reviews of this set are correct. The sound engineering is superb. The performances range from the sublime to the magisterial, as one would expect with Bach's organ works. If you order direct from Raven Records, you can pick up this set for about $50. They delivered it promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed!! I've never purchased a box set of CDs that gave you more for your money.

Rave reviews in the music press.......2006-11-23

The following comments have been published by major music publications:

"Impossible to recommend highly enough!" reviews The American Organist

"This is Bach as Bach intended his music to be heard,"
writes John Holland, The Diapason

"You couldn't ask for a more concise showcase of the last 20 years of 'historically informed' American organ building,"
writes Jonathan Ambrosino, Choir & Organ, December 2006

"[Bach would] empathise with Ritchie's incisive yet never finicky articulation, be it . . . lyrically flowing or . . . multi-stop climaxes. . . . Ritchie's linear clarity and effortless execution of the difficult pedal writing is world class. . . . engineering is consistently excellent," reviews Jed Distler in the Gramophone, November 2006

". . .an ideal combination of music, performance, instruments, recording . . ."
Arthur Lawrence, The American Organist

". . . a reference-level collection, it should be in any serious library, and should be reached for frequently. . . Everything about this production exhibits the highest quality. When the need is to hear Bach played to perfection, this set should be at hand. Impossible to recommend highly enough!"
Paul Aldridge, The American Organist, November 2006

"These performances are ripe with a depth of scholarship, musicality, and knowledge . . ."
Haig Mardirosian, The American Organist

Average customer rating:

Buxtehude: Complete Organ Works

Manufacturer: Mdg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000MGB0FG
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Praeludium In C Major (BuxWV 138)
Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott (BuxWV 199)
Nun Lob, Mein Seel, Den Herren (BuxWV 212)
Nun Lob, Mein Seel Den Herren (BuxWV 213)
Herr Christ, Der Einig Gottes Sohn (BuxWV 192)
Erhalt' Uns, Herr, Bei Deinem Wort (BuxWV 185)
Praeludium In E Minor (BuxWV 142)
Ach Herr, Mich Armen Sunder (BuxWV 178)
Praeludium In D Minor-Uberliefert In E Minor (BuxWV 143)
Vater Unser Im Himmelreich (BuxWV 219)
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ (BuxWV 188)
Puer Natus In Bethlehem (BuxWV 217)
Passacaglia In D Minor (BuxWV 161)
War Gott Nicht Mit Uns Diese Zeit (BuxWV 222)
Toccata In F Major (BuxWV 157)

Tracks:

Praeludium, Fuge Und Ciacona In C Major (BuxWV 137)
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott (BuxWV 207)
Christ, Unser Herr, Zum Jordan Kam (BuxWV 180)
Toccata In G Manualiter (BuxWV 164)
Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott (BuxWV 184)
Ach Gott Und Herr (BuxWV 177)
Praeludium In G Minor (BuxWV 150)
Kommt Her Zu Mir, Spricht Gottes Sohn (BuxWV 201)
Canzonetta In G Major (BuvWV 172)
Praeludium In C Major (BuxWV 136)
Nun Lob, Mein Seel, Den Herren (BuxWV 215)
Nun Lob, Mein Seel, Den Herren (BuxWV 214)
Canzonetta In E Minor (BuxWV 169)
Es Spricht Der Unweisen Mund Wohl (BuxWV 187)
Praeludium In D Major (BuxWV 139)

Tracks:

Toccata In F Major (BuxWV 156)
Ciacona In C Minor (BuxWV 159)
Canzonetta In G Major (BuxWV 171)
Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen, Allzugleich (BuxWV 202)
Ich Dank Dir, Lieber Herre (BuxWV 194)
Praeludium In F Major (BuxWV 145)
Ciacona In E Minor (BuxWV 160)
Herr Jesu Christ, Ich Weiss Gar Wohl (BuxWV 193)
Mit Fried Und Freud Fahr Ich Dahin (BuxWV 76)
Fuga In C Major (BuxWV 174)
Es Ist Das Heil Uns Kommen Her (BuxWV 186)
Magnificat IX. Toni (BuxWV 205)
Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland (BuxWV 198)
Praeludium In F Major (BuxWV 144)

Tracks:

Praeludium In G Minor (BuxWV 149)
Wie Schon Leuchet Der Morgenstern (BuxWV 223)
Canzonetta In C Major (BuxWV 167)
Von Gott Will Ich Nicht Lassen (BuxWV 220)
Von Gott Will Ich Nicht Lassen (BuxWV 221)
Mensch, Willt Du Leben Seliglich (BuxWV 206)
Toccata In D Minor (BuxWV 155)
In Dulci Jubilo (BuxWV 197)
Praeludium In Fis (BuxWV 146)
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ (BuxWV 189)
Canzona In G Minor (BuxWV 173)
Praeludium In E Major (BuxWV 141)
Herr Christ, Der Einig Gottes Sohn (BuxWV 192)
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heiligen Geist (BuxWV 209)
Magnificat Primi Toni (BuxWV 203)

Tracks:

Praeludium In A Minor (BuxWV 152)
Durch Adams Fall Ist Ganz Verderbt (BuxWV 183)
Wir Danken Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (BuxWV 224)
Canzona In G Major (BuxWV 170)
Praeludium In G Major (BuxWV 147)
Herr Christ, Der Einig Gottes Sohn (BuxWV 191)
Courant Simble (BuxWV 245)
Praeludium In G Minor-Uberliefert In Fis (BuxWV 146)
Der Tag, Der Ist So Freudenreich (BuxWV 182)
Aria In C Major (BuxWV 246)
Praeludium In G Major-Uberliefert In A Major (BuxWV 151)
Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland (BuxWV 211)
Praeludium In C Major-Uberliefert In E Major (BuxWV 141)
Fuga In C Major (BuxWV 175)
Canzona In D Minor (BuxWV 168)

Tracks:

Praeambulum In A Minor (BuxWV 158)
Magnificat I. Toni (BuxWV 204)
Aria In A Minor (BuxWV 249)-3 Variationen
Ich Dank Dir Schon Durch Deinen Sohn (BuxWV 195)
Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott (BuxWV 200)
Praeludium In G Manualiter (BuxWV 162)
Aria In G Major (BuxWV 250)-Partite Diverse Una Aria D'Inventione Detta 'La Capricciosa'-9 Variationen
Praeludium In A Major (BuxWV 151)
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heiligen Geist (BuxWV 208)
Praeludium In E Minor (BuxWV 143)
Fuga In G Major (BuxWV 175)
Canzonetta In A Minor (BuxWV 225)
Auf Meinen Lieben Gott (BuxWV 179)
Praeludium In B Major (BuxWV 154)
Fuga In B Major (BuxWV 176)

Tracks:

Praeludium In G Minor (BuxWV 148)
Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen G'Mein (BuxWV 210)
Canzona In C Major (BuxWV 166)
Praeludium In D Major-Transponiert Nach C (BuxWV 139)
Danket Dem Herren, Denn Er Ist Sehr Freundlich (BuxWV 181)
Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (BuxWV 196)
Praeludium In D Minor (BuxWV 140)
Gott Der Vater Wohn Uns Bei (BuxWV 190)
Te Deum (BuxWV 218)
Praeludium In A Minor (BuxWV 153)

Average customer rating:

Satisfying in every regard
Mountains of Sonority
Mountains of Sonority

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
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Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

ASIN: B000028AMR
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Prld (Moderato)
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Allegretto
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: (Adagio)
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Intermezzo (Allegro)
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Marche Pontificale
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Meditation (Lento)
Sym No.1 in c, Op.13/1: Finale (Allegro)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Prld Circulare (Andantino)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Pastorale (Moderato)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Andante
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Salve Regina (Allegro)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Adagio (Andante)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Finale (Allegro)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.13/2: Scherzo (Allegro) (Version 1872/87)

Customer Reviews:

Satisfying in every regard.......2007-02-13

There's something special about those glorious Cavaille-Coll organs, they all have that uniquely rich, chocolatey tone in the reeds. At first I was a little dissapointed that this particular Cavaille had been chosen as it's got no 32' stops, then ... upon reading Widors registration guide on the music, he doesn't mention 32' (like he does on Symphony N. 5 for example).

van Oosten's playing is insightful, crafted and beautifully assembled. Given the acoustics in the church where this is recorded is quite vibrant he allows loads of breathing space at phrase ends (especially in louder passages) and this helps with resultant murky textures. Symphony 2 also contains a rendition of the "alternative" scherzo, which is typical Widor: cheeky and elfin in feeling.

Mountains of Sonority.......2003-07-30

Many performers specialize in a certain genre - Rubinstein felt at home with Chopin, Horowitz with the Russian/Romantic school and van Oosten's main body of work has centered around the French Romantic period for the organ. In a classic example of serendipity, the development of the instrument itself parallels the rise of composers writing for it. This group of men appears from nowhere seemingly and completely redefining our definition of pipe organ music with their new writing for the newly developed Symphonic French organ.
One sees a glimmer of this in Reubke, the German organist but it is Widor who first created the architecture in which the new development could be given a definitive structure. These first two "Symphonies" represent the first stage in his development and though they pale in contrast to the later works they also establish a template with which the others followed.

The sound is very lush, the settings ultra-Romantic (the organ almost sings in parts) and the dynamics near perfection. By the way, the complete Symphonies were first issued as an LP that I purchased a thousand years ago. There is still something almost magical about an LP and that white background noise

Mountains of Sonority.......2003-07-07

One sees a glimmer of this in Reubke, the German organist but it is Widor who first created the architecture in which the new development could be given a definitive structure. These first two "Symphonies" represent the first stage in his development and though they pale in contrast to the later works they also establish a template with which the others followed.

Tracks:

Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 149
Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ, BuxWV 189
Puer Natus In Bethlehem, BuxWV 217
Der Tag Der Ist So Freudenreich, BuxWV 182
In Dulci Jubilo, BuxWV 197
Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen Allzu Gleich, BuxWV 202
Ciacona In C Minor, BuxWV 159
Passacaglia In D Minor, BuxWV 161
Ciacona In E Minor, BuxWV 160
Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 148
Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, Der Den Tod Uberwand, BuxWV 198
Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 199
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 209
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 208
Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 200
Gott Der Vater Wohn Uns Bei, BuxWV 190
Praeludium In C, BuxWV 137

Customer Reviews:

Buxtehude & Bryndorf.......2004-06-22

Adds up to an unequalled combination. Sound is marvellous, clean and crisp, and Bine Bryndorf a performer with a due restraint that plays to this music's advantage. The music is never thick, and is almost without exception engaging to one's ear and to the senses. If you are an organist, the detailing of the instrument's registrations (the Johan Lorentz at St. Mary's Church) should delight as greatly as the music itself. Listening to this quite makes one understand why Mr Bach chose to hike for hours and hours just to hear old Buxtehude play.

Average customer rating:

Dutilleux - who?
ON THE RISE
complete?
Landmarks of modern French orchestral music
Music for a Starry Night

Dutilleux: Complete Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Ture Rangström: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)

ASIN: B00004YU78
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Sym No.1: I. Passacailli: Andante - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Sym No.1: II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Sym No.1: III. Intermezzo: Lento - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Sym No.1: Finale, Con Vars: Largemente - Allegro - Scherzo - Lento - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Sym No.2 'Le Double:' I. Animato, Ma Misterioso - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...
Sym No.2 'Le Double:' II. Andantino Sostenuto - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...
Sym No.2 'Le Double:' III. Allegro Fuocoso - Calmato - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...

Tracks:

L'Arbre Des Songs: I. Librement - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: II. Vif - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: III. Lent - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
L'Arbre Des Songs: IV. Large Et Anime - Oliver Charlier
Two Sonnets, 'I Dreamt That I Carried You In My Arms:' Extremement Calme - Neal Davies
Two Sonnets, 'There Was Nothing But Torn Trunks:' Vehemet Et Agite - Neal Davies
Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: I (1/4nt = 72 Environ) - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: Interlude - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: II (1/8nt = 56 Environ) - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Prayer For Us Mortals: Tres Librement Recite - Animato - Plus Librement - Sans Lenteur - Neal Davies/Martyn Hill

Tracks:

Metaboles: I. Incantatoire - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Metaboles: II. Lineaire - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Metaboles: III. Obsessionnel - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Metaboles: IV. Torpide - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Metaboles: V. Flamboyant - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
Tout Un Monde Lointain: I. Enigme - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Tout Un Monde Lointain: II. Regard - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Tout Un Monde Lointain: III. Houles - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Tout Un Monde Lointain: IV. Miroirs - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Tout Un Monde Lointain: V. Hymne - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): I. Appels - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): II. Echos - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): III. Prismes - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): IV. Espaces Lointains - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): V. Litanies - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VI. Choral - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VII. Rumeurs - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VIII. Soliloques - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): IX. Metamorphoses (Sur Le Nom Sacher) - - Boris Pergamenschikow
Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): X. Embrasement - Boris Pergamenschikow

Tracks:

The Shadows Of Time: I. Hours - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
The Shadows Of Time: II. Evil Ariel - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
The Shadows Of Time: III. Memory of Shadows - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
The Shadows Of Time: Interlude - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
The Shadows Of Time: IV. Waves Of Light - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
The Shadows Of Time: V. Blue Dominant? - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier

Customer Reviews:

Dutilleux - who?.......2005-08-20

After hearing Henri Dutilleux for the first time ("The Shadow of Time") on a recent NPR broadcast, I immediately ordered his complete orchestral works, available on this four CD set. I am not disappointed. His music is very accessible and deserves a much wider audience. I highly recommend this set.

ON THE RISE.......2005-05-29

Because he's so quiet, and his music isn't as controversial as certain other post WWII french composers who will remain nameless *cough*, Dutilleux's tiny, immaculate reperatory does not get nearly the attention it deserves, and that's a damn shame.

Anyway, to keep it short, "The Shadows of Time" is one of the great triumphs of contemporary music and even as a broke musician I would have paid the admission fee just for this one (this recording is the best of the four available, too, though I'm sure better ones will come). Not to overshadow the rest of the music though, because this is a helluvalotta damn good, damn pretty, damn imaginative music.

This collection is a must for anyone who likes contemporary music--or early 20th century and wants to stretch there ears just a bit. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

complete?.......2004-03-21

How can Chandos clain this to be a complete orchestral collection when they leave out his ballet, . Ok. There are dancers on stage, but it is a full orchestra that plays it, and it has yet to see the light of day completely recorded anywhere.
Shame on Chandos for overlooking this.

Landmarks of modern French orchestral music.......2004-01-02

Henri Dutilleux has increasingly been regarded as one of the finest of living composers, and as his conservative-modernist style--derived from Debussy and Ravel, though more chromatic and less tonally-centered than either--has become less unfashionable his music has received an increasing number of recordings. Amongst the finest of these have been Yan-Pascal Tortelier's readings for Chandos, and this 4-CD boxed set contains Tortelier's three individual discs, plus a 22-minute bonus disc of a live performance (Tortelier again) of the composer's 1997 work The Shadows of Time. When released, this collection was a complete recording of all Dutilleux's acknowledged orchestral works: this is no longer true, as Dutilleux is still writing, although his post-Shadows work is yet to be recorded. (Hopefully Hans Graf's ongoing budget-price Arte Nova series of Dutilleux recordings will bring matters up to date.)

I have already reviewed the individual discs included on this set, so I will only describe the works briefly, but taken as a whole, they undoubtably rank as amongst the most important orchestral music of the post-war period. Chronologically speaking, they begin with the two symphonies. The first of these, completed in 1951, begins with a slow, mysterious passacaglia, follows it with an overly virtuosic scherzo, a deeply-felt nocturnal slow movement and a flamboyand finale. It is a considerable achievement, though it is some way from Dutilleux's fully mature style, unlike the Second Symphony, completed eight years later. This work is subtitled 'Le Double', as a concertino-like group of 12 players forms a counter-orchestra to the main band--though its function is not of a concerto grosso nature but merely to allow a much greater variety of colours and timbres. The first movement begins mysteriously, building to a dramatic climax. The slow movement (in which the counter-orchestra is particularly prominent) contains a wonderful range of musical colours, while the finale begins vigorously but lapses half-way through into a slow epilogue.

The 1964 work Métaboles is effectively a brief concerto for orchestra in five movements. The first four movements each showcase a different section of the orchestra--alternating fast and slow movements--and in the finale the whole orchestra comes together for a vigorous conclusion. Tout un monde lointain, a 1970 cello concerto based on the poetry of Charles Baudelaire, is a deliriously nocturnal work in five movements that combines delightful solo writing with some extraordinary orchestration, before fading out ambiguously. Perhaps the finest of Dutilleux's orchestral works is Timbres, espace, mouvement, a darkly ecstatic diptych inspired by Van Gogh's painting 'Starry Night'. Two powerfully visionary panels are separated by a forceful interlude for the orchestral cellos alone.

L'Arbre des songes, completed in 1985, is a dreamlike violin concerto in four movements that play without a break. Lyrical and fantastic in equal measure, it has often been described as one of the finest violin concerti of the 20th century, and I wouldn't dispute that rating. Mystère de l'instant is a 1989 work, a sequence of ten atmospheric 'snapshots' for strings and solo cimbalom. The first is an extraordinary evocation of a mass of flying birds; while the other nine are good, they don't quite live up to the first. Finally, The Shadows of Time is perhaps the only authentically angry work in Dutilleux's output. A meditation questioning the validity of music in a world capable of the Holocaust, it begins ambivalently with an evocation of ticking clocks against tense orchestral writing. A solo treble sings 'Why me? Why the star?' before the music builds to an angry climax. After an interlude and a second, equally angry climax, the finale returns to the ambivalent mood of the opening, and the work ends with return of the ticking clocks.

The performances on this set range from good to excellent, but whether the set will be of interest probably depends on whether one owns any of the individual discs. For those who do, or who only need a recording of The Shadows of Time, Hans Graf's first Arte Nova disc may prove more attractive, but those wanting the complete available works in one easy package will find this compilation well-nigh unbeatable.

Music for a Starry Night.......2003-02-26

The reason to buy this boxed set is not to acquire new, definitive interpretations of much represented music; it is to become acquainted with a composer who has had no prior integral recording. That is justification enough. The music of Henri Dutilleux (born 1916) manages to be unmistakably "modern" without being the slightest bit doctrinaire or off-putting: Dutilleux's roots go down deeply into the impressionist soil of Claude Debussy, although unlike Debussy, Dutilleux shows an interest in polyphonic complexity rather than in chord-based harmonic color as such. In addition, Dutilleux's structures usually correspond to what one can call "the symphonic" in a way that Debussy rarely essayed: and indeed his first two orchestral scores were symphonies (1951 and 1959). Like many composers in the aftermath of World War Two who refused to embrace the procedures of the "Second Viennese School," Dutilleux found himself somewhat marginalized. While Dutilleux received performances and commissions and was recorded over the years, he never enjoyed the cachet of, say, Pierre Boulez. In an essay on "The Symphony in France," published in "Paths to Modern Music" (1971), the astute Laurence Davies had to plead for Dutilleux, "a much underestimated composer outside his own country" whose "brilliantly clear textures" make his Second Symphony (subtitled "The Double") "an astounding achievement." On record, Rostropovich played the Cello Concerto and Stern his Violin Concerto; other works have been recorded here and there. The neglect is largely made up for in Yan Pascal Tortelier's comprehensive four-disc survey for Chandos, illustrated appropriately on the jewel-box and on the pamphlet by van Gogh's "Starry Night." On CD 1, Tortelier pairs the two symphonies. Davies valued the Second over the First Symphony, although he admitted the virtues of the latter, particularly its opening Passacaglia. The musical language of the First Symphony is close (by way of a known reference) to Frank Martin's: intensely chromatic without abandoning tonality. (Dutilleux's Passacaglia resembles Martin's free-standing endeavor of the same name in its full-orchestra version, available on a Chandos CD under Matthias Bamert). The two inner movements are a colorful Scherzo and a darkly colored slow movement. The Finale, like the First Movement, is a theme with variations - virtually a second passacaglia, but wider ranging in its moods than the First Movement. The Second Symphony pits a small orchestra of about ten instruments, including harpsichord and celesta, against the full orchestra, hence the appellation of "The Double." I imagine that this is a difficult score to record, as the spatial element resists transcribed representation. That said, this three-movement work is quite as fascinating and beautiful as its precursor. On CD 2, Tortelier gives us Dutilleux's Violin Concerto, "L'arbre des songes" ("The Tree of Dreams" [1985]), in a sequence of uninterrupted movements proper and interludes. This is Dutilleux the mystic, sharing certain penchants with Olivier Messiaen, although never sounding brash or vulgar, as Messiaen sometimes does. "The Tree of Dreams" is music for late-night listening. The "Two Sonnets by Jean Cassou" for baritone and orchestra, dating from the 1940s, show the composer working in a tradition of French orchestral song going back to Hector Berlioz and his "Nuits d'été." The score called "Timbres, espace, et mouvement avec interlude" (1978) takes its inspiration from van Gogh's "Starry Night." It depicts the awe of stellar delirium effectively - less wildly than Messiaen, be it said - yet with some strange and novel sounds. "Métaboles" (1964), on CD 3, again shows some kinship with Martin (think of "The Four Elements") and gives the impression of a symphony by another name. The Cello Concerto, entitled "Tout un monde lointain" (difficult convincingly to translate into English: "A Whole World Far Away"), is another essay in religious yearning and phantasmagoria. Like Berlioz, Dutilleux has a gift for melody: the concerto-format lets him exploit his talent, allotting the "singing role" to the solo instrument and supporting the solo line in a delicate web of hallucinatory accompaniment. The descriptive title comes from one of the Baudelaire poems that the concerto purports to "interpret." This is another link to Berlioz, who made one of the earliest settings of Baudelaire. "Delicacy" and "exquisiteness" are adjective that come to mind insistently as one listens to Dutilleux's music. One thinks of them as French traits par excellence. They appear again in "Mystère de l'instant," a quasi-concerto for cimbalom and strings - by no means so odd as it might seem. On CD 4, Tortelier gives us "The Shadows of Time" (1995), for voice and orchestra, which shows Dutilleux refining his mode of expression even further toward the seamless and translucent. With one minor quibble, I recommend this boxed set. The quibble is the shortness of the fourth disc. Chandos could easily have added a performance of Dutilleux's string quartet, "Ainsi la nuit," which would have turned a stinting measure into a fair one. Discs 1 - 3 are well filled.

Buxtehude: Complete Works For Organ Vol.

Average customer rating:

Buxtehude: Complete Works For Organ Vol.
Buxtehude , and Bryndorf
Manufacturer: Da Capo [Naxos]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000NOIWNU
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Average customer rating:

wonderfull playing
The last composition of Brahms, Op. 122
P.S.
Complete nonsense
Rare Brahms

Brahms: Complete Organ Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mendelssohn: Organ Sonatas Nos. 1 - 6, Op. 65
Franck: Complete Organ Works
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ASIN: B0000013YY
Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

Prelude And Fugue In G Minor
Fugue In A Flat Minor
Mein, Jesu, Der Du Mich
Herzliebster Jesu
O Welt, Ich Muss Dich Lassen
Herzlich Tut Mich Erfreuen
Schmucke Dich, O Liebe Seele
O Wie Selig Seid Ihr Doch
O Gott, Dau Frommer Gott
Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen
O Welt, Ich Muss Dich Lassen
Chorale Prelude And Fugue In A Minor On O Traurigkeit, O Herzeleid
Prelude And Fugue In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

wonderfull playing.......2006-12-18

Excellent recording-perhaps the finest there is of these works.The tempos are vell chosen.Very considered,solemn and moving.

The last composition of Brahms, Op. 122.......2006-01-31

These organ pieces of Brahms are wonderuflly written and it is sad they are nowadays neglected. Especially the last piece Brahms ever penned, the 11 Chorale Preludes of 1896. All of these are beautiful but track 5 "O Welt, ich muss dich lassen" is especially so. My German is a bit rusty but I believe the translation is "O world, I must leave you." Indeed, Brahms did, within the next year after Op. 122 was composed.

I always like to hear the last thing a composer wrote before death, as it usually reveals an inner part of themselves that we don't get in other compositions. Brahms'last thoughts before leaving this world reflected much on death and eternity, as this work definitely evokes those subjects.

The other pieces on the disc are also wonderfully performed by Robert Perkins as well, but they are lacking in the mature style that Brahms showed in the 11 Chorales. Track 1 is from 1857, track 2 also from 1856 but published in 1864, track 14 from 1857 but revised in 1882, and track 15 from 1856. It is interesting that Brahms neglected the organ for much of his life but then came back to it in the end. In the 1850s, he actually aspired to become an organ virtuso before realizing how difficult the instrument is to play.

As for the performance, it is well above average. Perkins is an accomplished American organist who I believe now teaches at Duke University. I believe he adequately expresses through his playing here what Brahms was trying to convey. Bravo for Naxos for making this music so easily available and at a low cost. The sound quality here, as always with Naxos discs, is excellent.

P.S........2003-03-16

Why are we not even told who the performer is?

Complete nonsense.......2003-03-16

These were Brahms's last works before his death. Not only did he have no chance to publish them or to have second thoughts about them, but they have always stood as his last musical testament. Why the inventions above?

Rare Brahms.......2000-03-06

This CD presents hard to find music of Brahms, the organ works. Brahms himself was unsure of these works, resulting in their relative obscurity. In the works, he imititates Baroque style well and gets quite a lot from the organ. The fugues in particuler are very good. Some Brahms fans may not like this disc because Brahms himself meant not for this music to be published. It does however show his classic inclinations.

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
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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!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Blue Jean Bop!/Rocks And the Blue Caps Roll [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Handel: Psaume 112 "Laudate Pueri" & 127 "Nisi Dominus" / Salve Regina (Psalms 112 & 127)

I Have Songs In My Pocket (Bobby Susser Songs For Children)

Frescobaldi: Fioretti del Sig. Frescobaldi ?

Keynote Karaoke: Shania Twain Greatest Hits [Karaoke]

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Hardware, Vol. 5 [Import]

Mahler Lieder: Des Knaben Wunderhorn

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