Notes and Editorial Reviews
In his program notes for this release John Longhurst attributes the success of the French symphonic organ movement to Aristide Cavaillé-Coll (1811-1899), the organ builder who developed a series of Gallic instruments that opened new tonal possibilities and combinations, enabling the instrument's sounds to rival those of the enlarged Romantic orchestra. Longhurst's premise makes sense--a case of "build it and they will compose for it." The CD contains a representative sampling of works composed between 1876 and 1937, ranging from the highly chromatic Fantasie by Franck to Jehan Alain's popular Litanies, composed in 1937. Longhurst performs all of this music with authority and style, fully utilizing the broad tonal palette of the impressive
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Aeolian-Skinner organ of the Mormon Tabernacle. The sound is good, and those with subwoofers will thrill to the mighty pedal tones that open the Vierne Maestoso. I found myself also being grateful for today's digital processing, which allows the many gossamer pianissimo sounds used here to be heard without a trace of unnatural noise. At 13 seconds shy of 80 minutes, the CD is generously filled and for most listeners would serve as a more-than-adequate introduction to this engaging repertoire.
--Rad Bennett, ClassicsToday.com Read less
Works on This Recording
5.
Ronde française for Organ, Op. 37 by Léon Boëllmann
Performer:
John Longhurst (Organ)
Period: Romantic
Written: France
Venue: Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah
6.
Litanies for Organ, AWV 100/Op. 79 by Jehan-Ariste Alain
Performer:
John Longhurst (Organ)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1937; France
Venue: Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah
7.
Le jardin suspendu for Organ, AWV 63 by Jehan-Ariste Alain
Performer:
John Longhurst (Organ)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1934; France
Venue: Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah
8.
Cortège et litanie, Op. 19 by Marcel Dupré
Performer:
John Longhurst (Organ)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1921; France
Venue: Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah
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