Encores

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), George Frederick Handel (Composer), William Boyce (Composer), Henri Mulet (Composer), Jeremiah Clarke (Composer), Robert Schumann (Composer), Charles-Marie Widor (Composer), Virgil Fox (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Virgil Fox
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, William Boyce, Henri Mulet, Jeremiah Clarke, et al.
• Audio CD (March 9, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003FAY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,504 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #73 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Brass > Trumpet

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riverside Organ Is Stretched to Its Limits in This One - - -, December 13, 2002

By 

Skeezicks (Skookumsquatch, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encores (Audio CD)

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)!!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rock with Bach and Virgil Fox, December 7, 1999

By 

Dr. James R. Kilpatrick (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encores (Audio CD)

Having heard in live performances the late Virgil Fox, he capivated the audience when he performed in person almost every one of the compositions contained in this amazing and wonderful CD. I play it several times a week. In all probably, the CD will be used as prelude and postlude music at my own funeral because the CD is so lively, happy and passionate to the listener.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd give it six stars if I could, January 22, 2000

By 

the Organmeister (Columbia, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encores (Audio CD)

This is probably the most important organ CD of the last century. It captures all the different qualities of the organ in tremendous style. It ranges from the quiet strings in Ye Sweet Retreat to the magnificent sound of full organ on Thou Art the Rock. Warning: this CD is addictive. A must even for people who hate organ music.