Belated Article on The Artistry of Frederick Swann

We just came acoss the news release about the Artistry of Frederick Swann CD Release concert from the Redlands, CA paper The Press-Enterprise. It is well written, and goes into detail what was performed at the concert and the importance of the recording on the Casavant Opus 1230 pipe organ. So for those across the country that were unable to make it to the concert, we thought we would share:

By JENNIFER DEAN
The Press-Enterprise
Art teacher and university organist Frederick Swann will release his newest recording, "The Artistry of Frederick Swann," on Sunday. Produced by Gothic Records, the CD is believed to be the first commercial recording made with the Casavant Opus 1230 pipe organ.

The instrument was dedicated in the University of Redlands' Memorial Chapel in 1928 and has since been fully restored.

"Even though this is a famous, beautiful organ, it has never been used in a commercial recording," Swann said.

Coinciding with the release of the CD, Swann will hold a faculty recital in the Memorial Chapel at 3 p.m. Sunday. The free concert is open to the public.

The program will feature many of the works on the CD. Swan also will be joined by the women's chorus of the university's Madrigal Singers; Nicholle Andrews, director and professor of choral conducting; and violin teacher Jeanne Skrocki.

The group will perform the rarely heard "Fugue, Canzone and Epilogue" by Sigfrid Karg-Elert.

"It's a kind of soup-to-nuts program. There's something for everybody," Swann said.

Swann has served as president of the American Guild of Organists, serves as Organist Emeritus of the Crystal Cathedral, Organist Emeritus of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles and Organ artist-in-residence at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert.

There will be 100 CDs available for purchase at $10 each. After the concert, CDs can be purchased through the record company at www.gothic-catalog.com. The regular sales price has not yet been released.

"The CD's name, 'The Artistry of Frederick Swann,' I didn't pick that," Swann said with a laugh. "It's really all about the artistry of this wonderful organ."