Holzhey Organ (1787)
Abbey church of Weißenau, Germany
Jonathan Dimmock, organist
Recorded on the spectacular Holzhey organ at Weißenau Abbey (Bavaria)—an organ which Mendelssohn loved—these Sonatas synthesize Baroque and Classical style with Romantic sentiment, establishing the musical vocabulary later used by Schumann, Brahms and Liszt.
“Dimmock's recording succeeds in illustrating Mendelssohn's lineage to the great Bach tradition with extremely persuasive performances of the six organ sonatas." —Choir and Organ
FIVE STARS!
Those used to romanticised interpretations of Mendelssohn's sonatas may find this recording uncomfortable, especially in Werckmeister III temperament. Mendelssohn, however, had a penchant for classically voiced organs and was full of praise for the southern German organ builder Johann Nepomuk Holzhey. The 1787 organ in Weissenau, surviving in original condition, is an excellent choice. Dimmock's recording succeeds in illustrating Mendelssohn's lineage to the great Bach tradition with extremely persuasive performances of the six organ sonatas.
—Choir and Organ
We have listened to organist (and musical polymath) Jonathan Dimmock’s new CD, Mendelssohn Organ Sonatas (Loft Recordings LRCD-1112). These works, written late in the composer’s brief life, take full advantage of the resources of the “king of instruments” as well as being prime examples of Mendelssohn’s unique musical genius. Jonathan plays these works masterfully on the sweet-sounding 1787 Holzhey organ in Weissenau Abbey, Bavaria, a classically designed instrument of the type that Mendelssohn preferred over the later romantic organ. The CD is simply beautiful. A highlight for this listener is the finale of the Fifth Sonata, with its subtle, enchanting cascades of seraphic sounds. The audio recording is exemplary in all respects. This disc is another winner from Jonathan, and we enthusiastically recommend it, perhaps especially as a splendid introduction to those who are not (yet) organ fanciers. Jonathan’s website is www.jonathandimmock.com.
—JEAN ALEXIS SMITH E-NEWSLETTER
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Casavant Freres, Opus 1230 (1927/2003)
Memorial Chapel, University of Redlands, CA
Frederick Swann, Organist
Frederick Swann plays selections on the magnificent four-manual Casavant organ in Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands.
Program:
Louis Vierne—Kyrie (Messe Solennelle)
Max Reger—Two Pieces:
- Benedictus, Op. 59, No. 8
- Toccata, Op. 59, No. 3
John Huston—Psalm Prelude: “By the Waters of Babylon”
Paul de Maleingreau—Symphony of the Mystic Lamb:
- Images
Maurice Duruflé—Meditation
Robert Hebble—Festival Fanfare (2008)
Sigfrid Karg-Elert—Symphonic Chorale: “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”
Leo Sowerby—Requiescat in Pace
Richard Purvis—Partita on “Christ ist Erstanden”
- Prelude
- Canzone
- Capriccio
- Lento
- Toccata
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Marilyn Keiser, organist
Casavant Freres organ of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dan Locklair is one of America's most widely performed composers. His music has been performed at Presidential inaugurations and funerals, and he was named Composer of the Year by the American Guild of Organists. Marilyn Keiser has long been a champion of his organ music and presents here the definitive performances of his most popular works.
Rubrics (A Liturgical Suite for Organ) [1988]
- "[The ancient praise-shout,] 'Hallelujah,' has been restored..."
- "Silence may be kept"
- "...and thanksgivings may follow."
- "The Peace may be exchanged."
- "The people respond - Amen!"
Salem Sonata for organ [2003]
- ("…to thee our cordial thankfulness…")
- ("Hallowed be thy name…")
- ("…We owe Thee thankfulness and praise…")
- ("…Let His work your pleasure be…")
PHOENIX Processional (Solo Organ Version) [1996]
(from PHOENIX Fanfare and Processional) [1979/85]
Celebration (Variations for Organ) [2003]
The Æolian Sonata for organ [2002]
- Aus tiefer not (Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee)
- Shalom (Peace)
- Laudate Dominum (O Praise the Lord)
In Mystery and Wonder (The Casavant Diptych) [2004]
- Aria (“God moves in a mysterious way…”)
- Toccata (“…His wonders to perform…”)
...Marilyn's playing is, as always, technically secure, rhythmically vital, and artistically informed. Having this exemplary artist perform music that she loves is a priceless treasure! The 2007 Casavant at St. Paul's Church, Indianapolis, is an ideal vehicle for all of Dan's work. Roger W. Sherman's recording, editing, and mastering have produced a disc of most admirable sound and effect. The liner contains program notes, information and a stoplist for the organ, biographies, and technical notes.
—Victor Hill, The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians (October 2010)
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The Great Organ of Washington National Cathedral
Scott Dettra
Scott Dettra presents a program of large-organ favorites on this, the final recording of the Washington National Cathedral's Great Organ.
Music is an integral part of daily life in most cathedrals, and Washington National Cathedral is no exception. In its primary role as a liturgical instrument, the Great Organ accompanies more than 350 worship services annually and is heard in recital and concert throughout the year as part of the cathedral’s broader musical offerings. This recording presents a cross-section of the organ music one might hear in liturgy and concert at Washington National Cathedral, including pieces that have become particular traditions here, pieces that represent the best of “cathedral music."
Fanfare for the Common Man — Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Prelude & Fugue in B major, Op. 7, No. 1 — Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)
Prière, Op. 20 — César Franck (1822-1890)
Passacaglia, Op. 40 — Seth Bingham (1882-1972)
Rhapsody in C-sharp minor, Op. 17, No. 3 — Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 — Samuel Barber (1910-1981), arr. William Strickland (1914-1991)
Crown Imperial — William Walton (1902-1983)
Introduction, Passacaglia & Fugue, Op. 149 — Healey Willan (1880-1968)
The Majestus (also, Majestas) is the figure of Christ in Majesty, located at the center of the reredos of the high altar at Washington National Cathedral. The Majestus oversees the organ and choir stalls in the chancel, with Christ’s right hand raised in blessing…
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Ulrika Davidsson, clavichord and fortepiano
One of Sweden's leading keyboard artists, Ulrika Davidsson, gives fresh readings of these Haydn sonatas on clavichord and fortepiano.
on Clavichord:
Sonata in D Major, Hoboken XVI:14
- Allegro moderato
- Menuet
- Finale. Presto
Sonata in B flat Major, Hoboken XVI:2
- Moderator
- Largo
- Menuet
On Fortepiano:
Sonata in E flat Major, Hoboken XVI:28
- Allegro moderato
- Menuet
- Finale. Presto
Sonata in G Minor, Hoboken XVI:44
- Moderato
- Allegretto
Sonata in F Major, Hoboken XVI:23
- Adagio
- Finale. Presto
Sonata in E flat Major, Hoboken XVI:52
- Allegro
- Adagio
- Finale. Presto
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Choral Arts (formerly Choral Arts Northwest)
Lee Thompson, Melissa Loehnig, piano
Robert Bode, conductor
Winners of The 2010 American Prize in recorded choral performance and the 2010 Margaret Hillis Award from Chorus America!
The "Pure Sound" of Choral Arts under their new director, Robert Bode presents several world premiere recordings, including The Dream Keeper, a piece in four movements, each featuring a different text from Langston Hughes. Other pieces feature the poetry of Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman and the conductor of Choral Arts, Robert Bode.
"My Lord, what a mornin'"—Spiritual, arr. Harry T. Burleigh (1866–1949)
Sunrise, from Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun (1990)—Michael Hennagin (1936–1993)
The Waking (2008)—Giselle Wyers (b. 1969) *
Fern Hill (1960)—John Corigliano (b.1938)
Dawn (2008)—Eric William Barnum (b.1979) *
A Child's Prayer (1996)—James MacMillan (b.1959)
In Dreams—John David Earnest (b. 1940)
The Dream Keeper—William Averitt (b.1948) *
- The Dream Keeper
- Dream Variations
- As I Grew Older
- Song
Beautiful River (1995)—arr. William Hawley (b. 1950)
* World Premiere Recordings
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The Philadelphia Orchestra live with The Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s Center City
Rossen Milanov, Conductor
Peter Richard Conte, Grand Court Organist
After a wait of over eighty years, the vast tonal palette of The Philadelphia Orchestra is joined, once more, with the world’s greatest symphonic pipe organ for this historic concert! Recorded live, September 27, 2008. Includes Joseph Jongen's Symphonie concertante, which was commissioned for the Wanamaker organ and the Phildelphia Orchestra in the 1920's, but never performed together until this "Grand Celebration".
Program Notes
Marcel Dupré: Cortege and Litany
Jongen: Symphonie concertante
- Allegro molto moderato
- Divertimento: Molto vivo
- Lento misterioso—Appassionato—Tempo I
- Toccata (Moto perpetuo): Allegro moderato
Billed as "A Grand Celebration," this album certainly captures the excitement associated with this once in a lifetime concert. Organist Peter Richard Conte demonstrates his total command of this windblown behemoth both from the registration as well as technical standpoints with some hand and footwork that would turn an octopus green with envy. In the first two selections, which are more solo pieces, he uses his phenomenal virtuosity never just for show, but only to serve the music. In the Elgar he gooses up the organ part just enough to make this one of the most thrilling performances of it you'll ever hear.List Price: $24.98
That's also due in no small part to the spirited playing of the Philadelphia Orchestra under its associate conductor, Rossen Milanov Their reading of the Dupré is equally effective, as is most of the Jongen. However those who cut their teeth on the groundbreaking performance of the latter with Virgil Fox (1912-1980) may find parts of the first movement a tad subdued here. Also there are some brief queasy-sounding horn passages in the lento [track-4, beginning at 11:23], but other than that everything proceeds swimmingly.
As far as recordings of live performances go without benefit of touch-up sessions to get rid of occasional coughs (two noted) and applause (after each selection), these must rank with the most impressive ever done. The soundstage is stupendous, and while the combined organ and orchestra may at times seem a bit congested, this would probably be true under any circumstances with forces of this magnitude. That said, the overall balance is simply superb, and the low frequency response remains unbelievably immaculate despite all those organ pedal points (see above) plus some heavy-duty bass drum activity in the Elgar.
Audiophiles hearing this will undoubtedly find themselves wishing it had been done in Super Audio, which might have produced a more convincing instrumental timbre in the stereo mode, and knocked everyone's socks off in multichannel. But there's a musicality about this conventional Red Book CD that will transport any listener to sonic heaven. Reading the album notes, it's easy to believe producers Roger Sherman and Frederick Haas required the services of seven recording engineers for this project. Make sure any loose objects in your listening room are tied down before playing!
-- Bob McQuiston, Classical Lost and Found (www.CLOFO.com)
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10th Anniversary Commissions and World Premieres
Jeffry Peterson, pianist
Stefan Kartman, cello
Indra Brusubardis, soprano
Leslie Fitswater, mezzo-soprano
Sharon A. Hansen, director
It is traditional during an anniversary year that a performing ensemble commissions a piece of music in commemoration of that milestone. Milwaukee Choral Artists went a step further by inviting ten composers to write new works for the ensemble - one for each of its ten years. Founded in 1998 as a chamber ensemble comprising professional solo singers, the Milwaukee Choral Artists is one of only a handful of professional women's vocal ensembles in the country. With its signature lush sound, MCA brings a distinctive and varied repertoire of choral and vocal masterworks to audiences throughout the region.
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East Carolina University Chamber Singers
Christopher Grymes, clarinet
Christine Gustafson, flute
Christopher Uiffers, bassoon
Daniel Bara, director
One of America's great university choirs premieres new sacred works for choir and single instruments. Recorded in the sumptuous acoustics of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville, NC.
Hymn to the Creator of Light — John Rutter
“O Thou Great Power in Whom I Move” * — Anthony Maglione
Veni Sancte Spiritus — Mark G. Sirett
Ave Maria — Cary Boyce
Cedit, Hyems (Be Gone, Winter!) * — Abbie Betinis
O quam gloriosum — Howard Helvey
De profundis — Ildebrando Pizzetti
Agnus Dei, (concerto for bassoon and mixed choir a cappella), Op. 167 * — Egil Hovland
- Agnus Dei
- Qui tollis peccata mundi
- Miserere nobis
- Dona nobis pacem
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” — Spiritual, arr. Gail B. Poch
“Eternal Light” — Leo Sowerby
* World Premiere Recordings
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Garrison Keillor
Jearlyn Steele
Richard Dworsky
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Philip Brunelle, conductor
A Thanksgiving concert recorded live at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
Storyteller Garrison Keillor and conductor Philip Brunelle
lead a harmonious celebration of all things Thanksgiving with the melodious
voices of the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and their special
guests, singer Jearlyn Steele and pianist Richard Dworsky. Along the way we
learn that Thanksgiving really isn’t all about the turkey — it’s actually all
about the pie.
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Baltimore Choral Arts Chorus & Orchestra
Janice Chandler Eteme, soprano
Tom Hall, conductor
Free bonus DVD included!
In addition to familiar seasonal music by Mendelssohn, Handel, Rutter, and others, Christmas at America’s First Cathedral features music from South Africa, Canada, and the United States, including the premiere recordings of seven new works by two of America’s most important African American composers, Dr. Rosephanye Powell and Dr. James Lee III. Dr. Lee’s motet, "A Clean Heart" is from a collection of four motets composed in 2009. The six selections by Dr. Powell comprise a suite called, Christmas Give, commissioned by Baltimore Choral Arts and given its world premiere December 1, 2009 at the Baltimore Basilica.
The bonus DVD includes selections from that concert, including Dr. Powell reading two poems and interviews with Tom Hall about the program and its historic venue.
Recorded in the resonant acoustics of America's first Cathedral, the Baltimore Basilica.
1. Rise Up! Arise! — Felix Mendelssohn (3:33)
2. Gabriel’s Message — Eleanor Daley (1:51)
3. Come Colours Rise — Grant McLachlan (4:46)
4. I Saw Three Ships — arr. Robert Shaw & Alice Parker (1:45)
5. Christmas Memories* — Rosephanye Powell (3:49)
6. Precious Gift His Wondrous Birth — Dave Brubeck (1:56)
7. Ring the Bells* — Powell (2:40)
8. A Clean Heart* — James Lee III (5:06)
9. Christus Natus Est*— Powell (5:10)
10. Hallelujah, Amen — G. F. Handel (2:49)
11. Have You Seen the Baby Jesus?* — Powell (2:46)
12. The Flight into Egypt — Hector Berlioz (5:46)
13. Jesus Child — John Rutter (3:30)
14. Holy Night* — Powell (2:38)
15. Ogo ni fun Oluwa*— Powell (2:47)
16. Mary’s Lullaby — Rutter (3:13)
17. Hallelujah Chorus — Handel (4:05)
*World Premiere Recording
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VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus
Sigrid Johnson, associate conductor
Philip Brunelle, conductor
In 1998, VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum joined forces to offer an annual contest encouraging the composition of new carols. Over the years hundreds of worthy carols have been submitted.
“Behold This Heavenly Night” presents the world premiere of some of these contest-winning carols alongside outstanding arrangements of more familiar melodies. Also included is the U.S. premiere of John Rutter’s new “Carol of the Magi” and a unique arrangement of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” translated into Latin by Philip Brunelle and his son Christopher.
- Ding Dong! Merrily on High — arr by Malcolm Williamson
- What Child — Paul W Lohman
- The Piping Carol * — James Sclater
- Un Nacimento (A Nativity Scene) * — Diego Luzuriaga
- A Mother’s Carol * — Scott Ethier
- I Wonder as I Wander — John Jacob Niles, arr Martin Neary
- Sweet Was the Song * — Matthew Brown
- Night of Silence — Daniel Kantor, arr John Ferguson
- See Amid the Winter Snow * — Robert Sieving
- In the Bleak Midwinter * — Alan J Higbee
- The Shepherd and the King * — Brian Holmes
- Carol of the Magi — John Rutter
- Calm on the Listening Ear * — John Christian Rommereim
- The Darkest Midnight in December * — Stephen Main
- Jingle Bells — James Lord Pierpont, arr J David Moore
- Welcome the King * — Michael Glasgow
- The Virgin’s Cradle Hymn * — Richard E Voorhaar
- Behold the Dark and Bitter Night * — Thomas Fielding
- It Fell Upon the High Midnight * — Paul Gibson
- Rudolphus Rubrinasus * — Johnny Marks, arr Philip Brunelle
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