Bruce Stevens, Organist: Works by Vierne, Widor, Franck, Boely, Saint-Saens

Charles-Marie Widor (Composer), Louis Vierne (Composer), Dietrich Buxtehude (Composer), Nicolaus Bruhns (Composer), Felix [1] Mendelssohn (Composer), Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Cesar Franck (Composer), Alexandre Pierre Francois Boely (Composer), Camille Saint-Saens (Composer), Bruce Stevens (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Bruce Stevens
• Composer: Charles-Marie Widor, Louis Vierne, Dietrich Buxtehude, Nicolaus Bruhns, Felix [1] Mendelssohn, et al.
• Audio CD (January 1, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Raven Records
• ASIN: B000004AM7
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #871,257 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Symphony No. 9 in C minor for organ ('Gothique'), Op. 70: Andante sostenuto

2. Pièces de fantaisie, for organ, Suite 2, Op. 53: Toccata

3. Chorale prelude for organ in C major, BuxWV 184, 'Ein' Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott'

4. Prelude & fugue for organ in E minor (shorter)

5. Organ Sonata No. 6 in D minor/D major, Op. 65/6: Chorale With Variations

6. Organ Sonata No. 6 in D minor/D major, Op. 65/6: Fugue

7. Organ Sonata No. 6 in D minor/D major, Op. 65/6: Finale

8. Concerto for solo organ No. 2 in A minor (after Vivaldi Op. 3/8, RV 522), BWV 593 (BC J86): [Allegro]

9. Concerto for solo organ No. 2 in A minor (after Vivaldi Op. 3/8, RV 522), BWV 593 (BC J86): Adagio

10. Concerto for solo organ No. 2 in A minor (after Vivaldi Op. 3/8, RV 522), BWV 593 (BC J86): Allegro

11. Pieces (3), for organ, M. 35-37: Fantaisie in A

12. Fantasia and Fugue for organ in B flat major

13. Fantasie No. 1 for organ in E flat major

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, July 18, 2011

By 

Elizabeth Dickie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bruce Stevens, Organist: Works by Vierne, Widor, Franck, Boely, Saint-Saens (Audio CD)

This is one of the most ethereally beautiful CD's ever. Stevens playing is sensitive and sensual, you can tell he really feels the music. The historical organ is magnificent and his choice of music is wonderful. If you love organ music, really beautiful organ music, you will adore this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Typical Bruce Steven - magnificent, March 30, 2005

By 

Avid Reader (Franklin, Tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bruce Stevens, Organist: Works by Vierne, Widor, Franck, Boely, Saint-Saens (Audio CD)

Bruce Stevens continues his drive to the top. On the way he is challenging the "greats" - Marie-Claire Alain, Ben van Oosten, etc. - with an approach of poetry and virtuosity. This album is a wonderful introduction to great organ music across the ages. From Bach to Mendelssohn to the French school. Two relatively unknown composers, Bruhns and Boely, are introduced. The organ at St. Mary's is not one of the towering Cavaile-Coll instruments but does cut the difference between the Symphonic and the Germanic style.

While all the abover were excellent it is Vierne's Toccata, a short work, that captures the listener. Marie-Claire Alain once described this incredible work as "Vierne baring his troubled soul" and a more apt description could not be found. It is frenetic with a pent-up explosive energy that keeps breaking through the waves of chromaticism. Stevens rendition startles the listener with an intensity rarely displayed. A great album for all music lovers.