Widor: Symphony No. 5

1. Symphony No. 5 in F minor for organ, Op. 42/1
Composed by Charles-Marie Widor
with David Hill

2. Nouvelles Pièces (3) for organ/1-03 (complete), Op 87 No.2, Mystique
Composed by Charles-Marie Widor
with David Hill

3. Symphony No. 1 in C minor for organ, Op. 13/1 March Pontificale
Composed by Charles-Marie Widor
with David Hill

Tracks:

Wedding March (Lohengrin)
Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Trumpet Voluntary
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Canon in D Major
Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
Arioso
Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
Panis Angelicus
Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Ave Maria
Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
Ave Maria
Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Wedding March
Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

Best Music Ever for Home Wedding.......2007-07-20

The tape consists of 25 traditional wedding songs played by big orchestras; the music was beautiful and made a small ceremony into a special, unforgettable ceremony.

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

I work regularly with people planning church weddings who want the service to be dignified, traditional and formal. Often they have "ear memory" of music they've heard in other weddings, but no idea about its composer or title. This CD is the best compilation I've found of music that fits those requirements. Selections include great music and performances make it easy to imagine how they would sound in a particular church or other setting. Includes works by Protestant, Catholic and secular composers.

Great item!.......2007-03-29

Great CD! Perfect when planning your wedding music. There are a variety of songs from various composers.

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding. The CD had a good song selection. My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

Average customer rating:

Middle of the road wedding music
just what I was looking for
Most Chosen Selections
Another Great Reference CD
A Nice CD

Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II
25 Wedding Favorites
Classical Wedding
Modern Bride Presents the Wedding Album
The Complete Wedding Album

ASIN: B000002SOG
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Three Lute Dances: Prelude: Courante
Sonata In E-Flat: Prelude: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Prelude: Allegro
Water Music: Prelude: Suite No. 1- Air
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Te Deum: Processional: Prelude
Processional: Canon In D
Processional: Trumpet Tune
Lohengrin: Processional: 'Wedding March'
Cantata 147: Ceremony: 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring'
The Four Seasons: Ceremony: 'Spring' - Allegro
Ceremony: 'Ave Maria'
Five Mystical Songs: Ceremony: 'The Call'
Ceremony: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Recessional: 'Wedding March'
Solomon: Recessional: 'Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheeba'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Recessional: First Movement
Organ Symphony No. 5: Recessional: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the road wedding music.......2007-01-20

I bought this cd because I had everything in my wedding planned to the last tiny detail except the ceremony music. All the songs on the cd are nice traditional wedding songs. I did not use any of the music from the cd, but I am glad I bought it because it helped me realize that traditional wedding music was not what I wanted. All and all a nice classical music cd but not for brides who really want a personal ceremony. BTW I went with Enya and Lorena McKennitt.

just what I was looking for.......2007-01-10

We wanted traditional wedding music and found it in this CD. I'm no music expert, but the arrangements and performances seemed fine. I would definitely recommend this CD for any bride looking for a concise collection of traditional wedding pieces.

Most Chosen Selections.......2006-03-13

As a wedding officiant, my wife and I are often asked to assist the couple with other services for their ceremony, such as music. For this, we have a very large selection in our music library to choose from. We have put together a catalog of cd's that we loan out to the couple for their review, and most often, their selections come from BRIDE'S GUIDE TO WEDDING MUSIC.

If you're planning a traditional or formal wedding on a budget, this cd has it all. There are even two selections of Wagner's "Wedding March" to choose from. Only two of the selections have vocals, the rest are all extraordinary instrumental selections.

Often, even around the house or in my car, I find myself listening to this cd. The music is soothing, refreshing, uplifting and most enjoyable. I recommend this cd over all other wedding music cd's.

Another Great Reference CD.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume 2, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs; just about everything on here is standard fare for weddings. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over potential music selections with an organist, a string quartet, etc. Like my review for Volume 2, I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner. BTW: beware of reviewers who don't use their names, especially "A music fan." This is most likely the producer of the "Wedding Traditions" CD and he slanders other CDs so his will look better. You'd think that in the wedding music business people would have better ethics, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. The best advice I can give, as a classical musician myself, if to take time to listen to the sound clips, and if possible, try to find them on iTunes where they might sound higher quality. This is the only real way of knowing whether the CD is right for you.

A Nice CD.......2005-12-30

This is a very nice CD.
Our daughter used some of the songs on this CD
and some of the songs that are on the
"Classical Wedding Traditions" CD for the wedding.
She also used many of the songs on the
"New Wedding Traditions Volume I" CD
Amazon is a great place to find good wedding music

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Wedding Album
The Best!
A beautiful CD - wedding or not
The best of my Wedding CD's
When they say Ultimate, they mean it!

The Ultimate Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
The Complete Wedding Album
25 Wedding Favorites
Classical Wedding Traditions
Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day

ASIN: B00000427S
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Xerxes: Largo
The Water Music: Air
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Because
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
Be My Love
The Water Music: Hornpipe In D
Fifth Symphony: Toccata
Trumpet Tune And Air
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Wedding Album.......2007-06-01

The perfect album for anyone planning a wedding. Both traditional and contemporary wedding favorites. Sound quality is excellent.

The Best!.......2007-05-24

Send this to every future bride and groom - yes. But even better, send a copy to the PARENT(S) of the future bride and groom!!! It gets everyone in the mood and filled with excitement! Also, it allows them to hear some choices other than "Here Comes the Bride." This CD can also be a lasting pre-wedding shower gift.

A beautiful CD - wedding or not.......2007-01-11

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding or just want some sweet music to listen to - this album is it. A terrific collection of some of the most beautiful music ever written.

The best of my Wedding CD's.......2007-01-10

I purchased quite a few Wedding CD's but for me, this Album has the most elegant and classic pieces. Ultra modern, trendy girls...don't you dare go here. Classic, beautiful, refined women...this is your CD.

Pamela

When they say Ultimate, they mean it!.......2006-03-14

This album really is great. As of writing the review I haven't gotten married yet, but I am definetly using it in my June wedding. It has all of the classics that we always associate with weddings and only weddings ("Bridal Chorus" for the bridal processional, "Wedding March" for a recessional, etc.) PLUS plenty of other music for the wedding party processional, unity candle lighting, prelude music, etc. I purchased another CD, but only because that music was used in EVERY ceremony at my high school and it has sentimental value to me. I didn't need to, as the album cover even sorts the tracks by Prelude, Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

The songs are so peaceful, well performed, and just plain pretty. Those with organ truly remind me of being in church as a child. I plan to keep the CD in my IPod and listen to it when I need some "chill out" time. Those which are not AS specific to weddings ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Air on the G String," etc.) sort of make you feel like you're in a classy coffee shop or in a bakery in an Italian villa.

Overall, a very well-rounded album. You could get by with this CD alone for all of your ceremony music and save hundreds of dollars on hiring an organist and soloist. With a decent sound system at your ceremony site, guests who didn't know any better would wonder where the orchestra is.

Average customer rating:

"Blasted" away
Wow!
For those who like BIG organ works
Pure Majestic Power!
Excellent Performance by Murray

An Organ Blaster Sampler

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Organ Spectacular
Bach: Great Organ Works
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3
Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ
Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion

ASIN: B000003CXP
Release Date: 1991-02-10

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Toccata
Toccata
The Emperor's Fanfare
Beaucoup Plus Largement
Dieu Parmi Nous
Finale
Rigaudon
Fanfare
Maestoso

Customer Reviews:

"Blasted" away.......2006-09-27

I am by no standards an expert on music, let alone organ music. I just purchased this CD because I love the sound of the organ, and wanted an album from a mix of artists before I started branching out to single composers. I would also consider myself an audiophile, only listening to high quality music with my portable headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD-555's. Let me tell you, the quality is perfect, and the music is incredible! Such a full sound, it's *almost* as good as sitting in audience, only lacking the full body experience of organ music. I would recommend this to anybody looking to get a foot into the world of organ music.

Wow!.......2006-06-07

I happen to love organ music, even that tacky Saint-Saens
Third Symphony (with which this CD ends and just the third movement).

I grew up with E. Power Biggs, Virgil Fox, et al. and had never heard of Michael Murray (okay, it's been a while). I bought this delightful CD when it first appeared and before Amazon had been invented.

Upon hearing that most famous work with which Murray begins, I confess I was just this side of hysterical -- I was laughing with pure happiness. Murray's take on is it wonderfully over-the-top in the best possible sense. I have a son-in-law who is a musician and, indeed, does play the organ (i.e., if any of them have had pipes, I don't know, but I'm here to tell you, I don't want to hear ANY but pipe organs -- okay, I'm old).

At any rate, to hear this Toccata and Fugue played with such (carefully studied) abandon so tickled me, I called Brian (the son-in-law) and demanded that he listen while I put it on my stereo.

Now I'm going to send it to my son Bruce upon learning last night that he LOVES organ music. Who knew? He's 54 years old, for goodness' sake and never mentioned that little item before.

For those who like BIG organ works.......2005-09-04

This CD concentrates on the big, showy organ pieces that organists love to play. As an organist myself, I find that such numbers are usually more fun to play than to hear. Fortunately, this CD is very listenable, and makes the case for both playing and listening to these works. I'd buy it again; maybe more telling, I'm looking for some of the music, so I can go play it!

Pure Majestic Power!.......2003-07-20

Corey is right - this is an outstanding organ CD, one of the best I've heard. Murray plays some of the largest and most powerful organs on Earth, and uses the reed stops more than the usual organist to produce great effects and a wall of sound that are majestic in the extreme. The selections are all great virtuoso showpieces, and track #6 by Messiaen (Dieu parmi nous from La Nativite') is especially demonstrative of the great contrasts available in a large organ. The horizontal trumpets in this piece are predominant and very bright, contrasting with the snarling bass of the pedal organ.

A word of caution - this CD requires a capable stereo (think subwoofer) to sound its best. Trust me - if you listen to this CD on a good stereo and if you like organ music, you'll sit there with a big grin on your face and tears in your eyes as you listen to this CD.

Excellent Performance by Murray.......2001-11-09

This is by far one of the best organ CD's I have ever listened to. The variety is very good overall. From the state trumpets at St. John's to the mighty organ of First Congregational Church, Murray provides nice registration on all of the organs sampled. The Finale from Saint-Saens No. 3 is awesome with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy,s direction. Murray provides his own notes on the organs and the pieces in the booklet that is included. This is some fine organ music!!

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

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Similar Items:

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4
Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

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.

Average customer rating:

Technically Excellent, but Uninspiring
Hurford plays organ "pops" pieces
Exellent organ playing!
GREAT FOR NEW CONVERTS TO ORGAN MUSIC!
Excellent

Organ Spectacular

Manufacturer: London
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Great Organ Works
An Organ Blaster Sampler
Organ of the Mormon Tabernacle
Michael Murray At The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine: Works By Franck, Widor, Dupré, Bach and Others
Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ

ASIN: B0000041YP
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Technically Excellent, but Uninspiring.......2006-08-22

Hurford is clearly a very capable technical organist. His nimble feet and fingers do an excellent job with fast passages. Musically, however, most of the pieces felt uninspired and I was a bit disappointed.

Hurford plays organ "pops" pieces.......2006-06-02

On this particular album, organist peter hurford shows off what the organ can do with a pair of nimble hands (and feet). The recording herein contains all of the more familiar "pops" pieces(i.e., you would expect to hear one of these pieces played on nearly every organ recital), and also a rarity or two. The reason I initially purchased this recording was because of the complete Suite Gothique (the only recording available?). Besides the famous toccata, this suite contains some wonderful momemts, such as the sirene priere to the jolly yet sometimes macabre-sounding minuet gothique. The Widor Allegro from Symphonie VI is OK (I still recommend David M. Patrick's album over all others) and the mendelssohn is a nice finishing touch (use this to show off your stereo!) All in all, another well done recording by the scholarly virtuoso Hurford, pleasingly light yet sonically thrilling.

Exellent organ playing!.......2001-11-21

"Organ Spectacular" is truly spectacular. Peter Hurford has combined the finest organ pieces along with absolutely superb playing. All of the pieces are as if the composer himself is playing them. This recording is very rewarding and worth every penny.

GREAT FOR NEW CONVERTS TO ORGAN MUSIC!.......2001-01-14

This CD got me started as an organ lover years ago. Something for everyone here, this recording covers the biggest hits of the organ rather well. Frank's Chorale No. 3 will impress you with the sheer range and power of the organ, and is very moving. And be sure to listen to the Wedding March as it was meant to be played and heard! A great compilation. Enjoy!

Excellent.......1999-01-20

Hurford delivers an exciting compilation of these high-powered organ favorites. For people who love the organ for its ability to rattle the fillings in your teeth, this album is a must! If you are looking for soft, mellow, soothing music, well...you're going to have your fillings rattled. His rendition of Widor's allegro from the sixth symphony is the best piece on the album, but I found the tocotta from the fifth to be rather bland. The Boellmann suite gothique (why I bought the album) is also great. Overall, money well spent

Average customer rating:

Also disappointed
too fast
On the fence
Magisterial
Masterful performance of great works

Great Toccatas

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Michael Murray At The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine: Works By Franck, Widor, Dupré, Bach and Others
Bach: Great Organ Works
Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
Organ Spectacular
Organ of the Mormon Tabernacle

ASIN: B000005ECA
Release Date: 1994-05-03

Tracks:

Toccata BWV 565: Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Toccata De La Symphonie No. 5 In F Major, Op. 42
Toccata For Organ In G Major
Toccata For Organ In B Minor
Suite Gothique: I. Introduction - Choral
Suite Gothique: II. Menuet Gothique
Suite Gothique: III. Priere A Notre-Dame
Suite Gothique: IV. Toccata
Sonate No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 42: Final
Pieces De Fantaisie: Carillon De Westminster (3rd Suite Op. 54)
Pieces De Fantaisie: Toccata (2nd Suite Op. 53) In B Flat Minor
Toccata Sur L'Antienne: 'Cantemus Domino'
Litanies

Customer Reviews:

Also disappointed.......2007-06-18

Let me add my voice to those who are disappointed with the pieces. Ms. Alain is, as has been pointed out before, technically brilliant, but the feeling I got was "let's get this over with", not "I can't wait to play this!". There are a couple of what I call "mad scientist" pieces that are good introductions to those new to organ music, and this CD is great for that purpose. But the Bach and the Widor are way too rushed; these fantastic pieces are much to...well...fantastic, to be rushed. Every hemisemidemiquaver, every pedal tone, every flourish needs to be played, with the reverence that you give music of this stature. Here, while Ms. Alain obviously knows the music, she doesn't convince that she loves it. Three stars is sufficient, sadly...

too fast.......2006-07-01

I bought this CD for the Widor and Bach. Both are played too fast. In each case, either the artist was trying to finish as quickly as possible or the technician accelerated the recording to get another peice included. In either case, there was no music, only speed. I was very dissapointed, because those are truely outstanding pieces when played at a reasonable pace. I am still looking for an excellent recording of the Widor piece.

On the fence.......2005-09-06

I received this disc from a French visitor and have listened to it several times. I still have the uncomfortable feeling that Ms. Alain is playing these pieces for the umpteenth time, and while they are technically brilliant, they seem a bit soul-less to me. I have an old vinyl recording by E. Power Biggs (who seems to have been at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Romantic school of organ music), and those recordings of French organ music, many of which are on the CD in question, had real feeling behind them. Still, there is no denying the power of this music.

Magisterial.......2003-03-02

To properly appreciate this record one should (of course) hear it live, preferably in a church with excellent acoustics. It must be admitted, though, that this CD is the next best thing.
The depth and sonority of sound is difficult to match and it goes without saying that the artistry in both interpretation and handling the sheer difficulty of the pieces is unmatched.

The Romantic Era organ was the Golden Age for keyboard music - whether organ or piano. Yes, Bach will always be first in the pantheon of Pipe Gods (I count his Prelude in B Minor as the first Romantic Organ work). But the evolution of the physical instrument brought forth somthing new -the French organ with all the magnificent sonorities. With composers writing for that instrument, organ music reached an apotheosis before being dragged down by various "modern" works that must be explained to listeners in case they thought the sounds from the stage were noise or a malfunctioning keyboard.

This is a great CD that all lovers of organ music should own. The Toccatas heard here are some of the best and one is constantly aware of the great men who wrote them.

Masterful performance of great works.......2000-07-25

Alain performs some of the best toccatas written for organ in her typical, near-perfect style. This CD is far better in musical and recording quality than comparable compilations of popular organ music. You will also enjoy her CD, "Les Bis Pour Orgue" or "Organ Encores".

Average customer rating:

My favorite classical music album
Good as an introduction to the organ (and Virgil Fox)
Excellent Music choice.
Riverside Organ Is Stretched to Its Limits in This One - - -
Outstanding organ program

Virgil Fox Encores

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Art Of Virgil Fox
Art of Virgil Fox, Vol. 2
Heavy Organ At Carnegie Hall 1973
Bach: Great Organ Works
The Wanamaker Legacy

ASIN: B000003FAY
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Fugue In G Minor 'Little'
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Concerto No. 4 In F: I. Allegro
Ye Sweet Retreat
Thou Art The Rock
Trumpet Voluntary
Trio Sonata No.6 In G
Concerto No. 10 For Strings: Aria
Now Thank We All Our God
Canon In B Minor
Suite No. 3 In D: Air On The G String
No. 5 In F Minor, Op. 42, No. 1: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

My favorite classical music album.......2006-09-30

I first listened to this entire set of music on cassette in 1983 and prior to that I heard parts of it on a CBC radio program called "Gilmour's Albums" in 1979. It remains my most favorite classical music album. The range of sounds coming from the organ and the interpretation of each piece is wonderful. Having this music still available after nearly 50 years, and on CD no less, is a tribute to Fox and his outstanding talent.

Good as an introduction to the organ (and Virgil Fox).......2006-01-24

I hate to beat a dead horse (with 7 reviews) and to slightly contradict some of the previous opinions, but I can't agree that this CD is one of Fox's greatest. It serves as a fine introduction to those who want to hear the rich tonal palette of an organ and indeed, few are finer than Fox in the jaunty Schumann "Canon" and the oh-so-sweet "Ye Sweet Retreat." However, repeated listenings show the Little Fugue and Handel to be a bit sloppy, and the overall nature of the CD somewhat one-dimensional, with the faster pieces very fast and ending very loud, the slower pieces very slow and ending very softly.

This is not to denegrate Fox, who especially for an organist, had an unbelievable control and understanding of dynamic shading - it's more that the program itself suffers from a lack of variety. Perhaps this CD, being an RCA release, served an important purpose in getting organ music, and more importantly classical music in general, to the broader public.

But for more serious artistry, turn to recordings like Digital Fox (1978) and these unjustly underpublised re-releases of Fox playing major organs:
1) Virgil Fox at Hammond Castle -- available at organarts.com with samples and background info. Contains incredible, I mean incredible, interpretations of Franck's Grande Piece Symphonique and Reubke's Sonata on the 94th Psalm, to name only a few
2) Virgil Fox Command Performances 1963-1965 -- available on Amazon and organarts.com. Fox plays the organs of Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center (with an extremely intense reading of Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor), Boston Symphony Hall, and the Riverside Church. GET THESE ASAP - THEY ARE SUPERB!

Excellent Music choice........2003-12-13

Virgil Fox is without a doubt one of the most advanced organists in the new phase of Organs. As an Organist myself, there are many new changes with Organbuilding and how older Organists try to adjust and try to get used to. From the Sound of the Organ it is indeed a rather powerful Organ with what sounds like a Possible 32ft Reed!!! I do not know where this recording was held at, but You need to listen to some of the Samples that there is. There are a wide variety of moods with this organ all the way up to a very scary but demanding Full Organ! Buying this cd is a MUST. If not then at least listen to the samples. You will not consider it a waste of time.

Riverside Organ Is Stretched to Its Limits in This One - - -.......2002-12-14

If you like flamboyant, this CD will blow your skirt right up there! The dynamic range of the music in this CD will test your stereo system to the limits. Every part of the organ is used, from the shyest Kleine Erzähler to what must be a Double Bombarde.

The songs showcase the organ and are played flawlessly, even if somewhat ambitiously interpreted. If you're tired of hearing the Little Fugue in G Minor played like a funeral dirge on a worn-out calliope, then you'll appreciate what Fox does with it on the big Aeolian-Skinner. Absolutely incredible! On the other hand, I personally would have enjoyed C.M. Widor's Toccata from the 5th taken a little slower. Perhaps Virgil was running late for supper or had to go to the bathroom when performing this one, 'cause it could stand a little Largo to let the notes pop out. Nevertheless, it shows what "Nimble-Fingers" can do.

Technically, the CD is flawless, except for some low-level noise heard during the quieter interludes when the volume is up. Ideally, there should be no noise here at all but what do you want for coming from 40-year-old tape masters??? That one flaw is vastly overshadowed by the excellent stereo separation and extreme dynamic range, with absolutely no rumble or flutter to be heard.

The CD includes a couple of the better-known pieces, and the lesser-known ones are equally interesting. Can't go wrong with this CD, but don't expect to get much out of it in your car CD player due to the wide dynamic range and the inherent noise in the car (unless of course you're driving a Mercedes)!!

Outstanding organ program.......2001-02-06

This is the first album of organ music I ever bought back in the days of vinyl. I have always loved it, I practically wore it out. Mr. Fox was the teacher of a friend of mine and I got to hear him once. His program here is varied and the sound is excellent. He did a lot for the advancement of organ music in the USA, we owe him a huge debt. Warmly recommended.

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies #1-9, The Lark Ascending, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, In the Fen Country - Haitink, Bostridge, Chang (7 CD's)

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VW Can't miss
Vaughan Williams the Great European Symphonist

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies #1-9, The Lark Ascending, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, In the Fen Country - Haitink, Bostridge, Chang (7 CD's)
Ian Bostridge , Sarah Chang , Felicity Lott , Jonathan Summers , Amanda Roocroft , Shauss , and Charles-Marie Widor
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Mahler: The Symphonies
Mahler - The Complete Symphonies / LPO, Tennstedt
Symphonies 1-9
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
Shostakovich: Complete Concertos

ASIN: B0002RUAFQ
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Behold, The Sea Itself - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Today A Rude Brief Recitative - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Flaunt Out, O Sea, Your Seperate Flags Of Nations! - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: Token Of All Brave Captains - Jonathan Summers
I: A Song For All Seas, All Ships: A Pennant Universal - Jonathan Summers
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone: On The Beach At Night, Alone - Jonathan Summers
II: On The Beach At Night, Alone: A Vast Similitude Interlocks All - Jonathan Summers
III: Scherzo: The Waves - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O Vast Rondure, Swimming In Space - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Down From The Gardens Of Asia Descending - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O We Can Wait No Longer - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O Thou Transcendent - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Greater Than Stars Or Suns - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): Sail Forth - Jonathan Summers
IV: The Explorers (Grave E Molto Adagio - Andante Co Moto): O My Brave Soul! - Jonathan Summers

Tracks:

I. Lento - Allegro Risoluto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Lento - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III. Scherzo (Nocturne): Allegro Vivace - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV. Andante Con Moto - Maestoso Alla Marcia (Quasi Lento) - Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasia On A Theme - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Molto Moderato - Amanda Roocroft
II: Lento Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Moderato Pesante - Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Lento - Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Finale Con Epilogo Fugato: Allegro Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

I: Preludio: Moderato - Sarah Chang
II: Scherzo: Presto - Sarah Chang
III: Romanza: Lento - Sarah Chang
IV: Passacaglia: Moderato - Sarah Chang
Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 - Sarah Chang
Romance For Violin And Orchestra - Sarah Chang

Tracks:

I: Allegro - Ian Bostridge
II: Moderato - Ian Bostridge
III: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Ian Bostridge
IV: Epilouge: Moderato - Ian Bostridge
In The Fen Country - Ian Bostridge
I: On The Wenlock Edge - Ian Bostridge
II: From Far, From Eve And Morning - Ian Bostridge
III: Is My Team Ploughing? - Ian Bostridge
IV: Oh, When I Was In Love With You - Ian Bostridge
V: Bredon Hill - Ian Bostridge
VI: Clun - Ian Bostridge

Tracks:

I: Prelude: Maestoso - London Philharmonic Choir
II: Scherzo: Moderato - London Philharmonic Choir
III: Landscape: Lento - London Philharmonic Choir
IV: Intermezzo: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Choir
V: Epilogue: Alla Marcia, Moderato (Non Troppo Allegro) - London Philharmonic Choir

Tracks:

I: Fantasia: Moderato - Presto - Andante Sostenuto - Allegretto - Andante Non Troppo - Allegro Vivace - Andante Sostenuto - Tempo I, Ma Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Scherzo Alla Marcia: Allegro Alla Marcia - Andante - Tempo I (Allegro) - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Cavatina: Lento Espressivo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Toccata: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
I: Moderato Maestoso - London Philharmonic Orchestra
II: Andante Sostenuto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
III: Scherzo: Allegro Pesante - London Philharmonic Orchestra
IV: Andante Tranquillo - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

VW Can't miss.......2007-04-01

It would take a lot of effort to make these works anything but wonderful to my ( untrained) ear. I have other versions of Symphonies 3 & 5, Tallis, and Lark, but am not that familiar with the rest. I bought the CD set just to hear them. VW's music goes straight to my soul, perhaps because I was born about 40 km ( 25 miles ) from the composer. These works evoke instant nostalgia. Haintink, the orchestra , soloists, sound fine. I particularly enjoyed Ian Bostridge.

Vaughan Williams the Great European Symphonist.......2004-12-15

2004 Has been a good year for Box Sets of Vaughan Williams Symphonies. Best of the bunch is this one from EMI with Bernard Haitink conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Do not be put off by the lengthy gestation of the project, over 16 years between 1984 and 2000, there is a consistency of interpretation, performance and sound.

Haitink's first recording in the set of the 7th Symphony, the Sinfonia Antarctica is his manifesto. He takes Vaughan Williams out of the cosy world of 20th century British music and the interpretive shadow cast by Adrian Boult and places him in an ongoing tradition of European symphonists. Haitink revels in the richness of the symphony's sound worlds and in the romantic heart which he finds in them all. These are rich, big boned interpretations. Nowhere more so than in this 7th Symphony, from the episodic feast of the first movement onwards, and there is surely no recording with a more appropriate acoustic.

The First in the cycle , `A Sea Symphony" is startling, as conductor, orchestra and singers burn a new way to the heart of this huge work with a searingly intense first movement.

The Second, A London Symphony has many fine recordings. Here the louder passages are brash, boisterous and thoroughly urban. Vaughan Williams loved city life and would surely have approved.

The Third, A Pastoral Symphony is one of the most striking reinterpretations here, and perhaps the hardest to take for traditionalists. Boult's mystical manipulation of blocks of chords with solo instruments floating above them is replaced with lyrical argument.

The furies at the heart of the Fourth Symphony are set free to great effect, as they are in the Sixth Symphony. Haitink excels in the demonic dance music in both symphonies and the jazz elements in the Sixth are enthusiastically articulated

If the interpretation of the Pastoral Symphony is striking, that of the 8th is a complete transformation, and one that convinces. No longer is this a small symphony, here it is the considerable utterance of a master.

The Fifth symphony is its radiant self, but the questions that also inhabit the score are welcomed, giving this performance light and shade.

The Ninth Symphony, sometimes considered a difficult work sounds like a natural summation of Vaughan Williams musical journey. It is a suitable epitaph, autumnal but radiating vigour.

There are a number of filler works here, like the Symphonies some are radical reinterpretations. I am not convinced by this Variations on a Theme of Thomas Tallis. In The Lark Ascending the programme is forgotten and it becomes a one movement concerto with a continuous violin line.

Haitink's interpretations are not for everyone. If you want modern a modern equivalent of Boult with good digital sound choose the Vernon Handley Set on Classics For Pleasure. That also has the benefit of a more generous selection of extra works. If you want to hear exciting modern performances in exemplary sound snap up this bargain box.

Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Widor: Symphony No. 5; Guilmant: Symphony No. 1

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Among the best recordings for all works concerned
French Romantic Organ and Orchestra Music
French Romantic Organ and Orchestra Music

Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Widor: Symphony No. 5; Guilmant: Symphony No. 1

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Franck: Chorales No2; Widor: Symphony No3
Bombarde! French Organ Classics
Alexandre Guilmant: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 for Organ and Orchestra; Marche Élégiaque
Vierne: Messe solennelle; Widor: Messe à deux choeurs et deux orgues; Dupré: Quatre motets
Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies

ASIN: B000000AUI
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 For Organ And Orchestra, Op. 42: I. Introduction And Allegro. Largo e maestoso - Allegro - Tempo primo
Symphony No. 1 For Organ And Orchestra, Op. 42: II. Pastorale. Andante quasi allegretto
Symphony No. 1 For Organ And Orchestra, Op. 42: III. Finale. Allegro assai - Andante maestoso - Tempo primo
Symphony For Organ Op. 42, No. 5: I. Allegro vivace - Piu lento
Symphony For Organ Op. 42, No. 5: II. Allegro cantabile
Symphony For Organ Op. 42, No. 5: III. Andantino quasi allegretto
Symphony For Organ Op. 42, No. 5: IV. Adagio
Symphony For Organ Op. 42, No. 5: V. Toccata. Allegro
Concerto For Organ, Strings And Timpani: Andante - Allegro giocoso - Subito andante moderato - Tempo allegro, molto agitato - Tres calme. Lent - Tempo de l'allegro initial - Tempo introduction. Largo

Customer Reviews:

Among the best recordings for all works concerned.......2004-07-14

Before purchasing this CD, I had heard of Felix Alexandre Guilmant, but had never experienced his music. Even though the Symphony is an arrangement of a Sonata for solo organ, many composers have "recycled" works quite successfully (think only of Bartok's Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion, which became the Concerto for 2 Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra) and the work demonstrates that he not only knew how to write beautifully for the organ but was no slouch when it came to orchestrating. As for the Widor, this is the most frequently played of his 10 Symphonies for solo organ, and the finale will be familiar to many who have heard organ recitals (every competent organist has to have this under his or her belt for encores). Tracey's performance of the Widor even rivals that of Ben van Oosten, who has recorded all of Widor's solo organ music on the MD&G label. As for the Poulenc Concerto in g, it also comes off quite well, and, were it not for some problematic passages toward the end, I would compare it favorably to the recording, made on EMI while the composer was still alive, by Maurice Durufle (who advised Poulenc on how to write for the instrument while composing this work), Georges Pretre and the ORTF. What goes wrong, sadly, is that Tracey and Tortelier somehow conspire to allow the music, and mainly the organ part, to "mumble," in both soft and loud passages, where it should be more assertive. However, I wouldn't dismiss the entire recording out of hand for a very few faults. It is definitely a first-rate performance and I would recommend it quite highly.

French Romantic Organ and Orchestra Music.......2001-08-06

The main attraction on this Chandos disc of music by Felix Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911), Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937), and Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) is Guilmant's Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra, Opus 42, an exercise in unashamed robustness and theatricality. (The booklet gives no date for the composition, but the date of its successor for the same forces is 1906). This brilliant symphony in three movements looks ahead to that twentieth century spectacular, Joseph Jongen's "Symphonie Concertante" (1937). Guilmant's orchestra joins the solo instrument with massive fanfares in the outer movements and with subtle accompaniment (strings and woodwinds) in the central (so very French) "Pastorale." The recording of Widor's Symphony for Organ, Opus 42, No. 5, boasts many merits. Yet given that the previous CD made by these same performers included one of Widor's sonorous organ-and-orchestra scores, it would have been logical (and more satisfying to our collective curiosity) to hear one of the remaining organ-and-orchestra compositions by this imaginative musical creator - his "Sinfonia Sacra," for example. Nevertheless, Ian Tracey executes the "Fifth" impressively; I prefer this performance by Tracey to that by David Hill on Hyperion. Tracey interprets the score with muscularity and full-throatedness, especially in the First and Fifth Movements, exactly where Hill seems to shy from the music's amiable egotism. Tracey's "take" on the Toccata proverbially robs one's breath. I confess to disliking Poulenc's Concerto. The homogeneity of the string band does not contrast sufficiently with the sound of the organ while the timpani part strikes me as awkward and intrusive. Add to these objections the further one that Poulenc's music seems inappropriate to the instrumentation, vulgar and not a little grotesque. (His "Concerto Champetre," on the other hand, violates not a single jot of taste.) Such ill humor, however, is subjective and prejudicial. The popularity of the Concerto assures us that, my idiosyncrasy aside, many people admire this work and take much enjoyment from it. And it is, I suppose, splendidly well played. Buy this issue for the sake of Guilmant's glorious Symphony.

French Romantic Organ and Orchestra Music.......2001-08-06

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