Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ at Claremont United Church of Christ

Balbastre (Composer), Franck (Composer), Rheinberger (Composer), Bach (Composer), Diane Meredith Belcher (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Diane Meredith Belcher
• Composer: Balbastre, Franck, Rheinberger, Bach
• Audio CD (May 1, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: JAV Recordings
• ASIN: B00003IBF6
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #432,783 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Bach Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr (trio) bwv 664

2. Bach Prelude & Fugue in A minor bwv 543

3. Balbastre Noel: Ou s'en vont ces gais bergers?

4. Franck Piece heroique

5. Vierne Final from Symph. iii

6. Rheinberger Passacaglia (Sonata viii)

7. Dupre Prelude & Fugue in F minor op. 7 no. 2

8. Alain Litanies

9. Hoiby Rock Valley Narrative

10. Tikker Tiento de Batalla sobre la Balletto del Granduca

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CD that is addictive!, January 14, 2000

By 

Rodney Molnar-Pohdap (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ at Claremont United Church of Christ (Audio CD)

A review of this CD written in October 1999 by Guido Krawinkel ([e-mail]) of Bonn, Germany for Orgel International, a German music magazine (submitted by Timothy Tikker with the author's permission):

"Gigantic! A CD that is addictive! But before I lose myself in further superlatives, here is a little basic information. The instrument is a 1998 organ of the Glatter-Götz firm, built in collaboration with Manuel Rosales. Fifty-eight stops are distributed among three manuals and pedal; the stoplist is a well balanced mix of classical and French romantic elements, as is currently fashionable. The organ is remarkable for its interesting case designed by the Scottish architects Campell & Arnott, which although not especially unusual, skillfully translates older, traditional forms into a modern language. This seems to be the most prominent characteristic of this instrument. It is essentially quite traditional, carried out in a very modern style and manner. Additionally there is the exquisite sound quality of the instrument, as far as can be judged from the CD. The voicing of Manuel Rosales is excellent, both in the extremely typical characteristics of the individual stops, as well as the balanced sound of the full organ. All in all an organ which, although not revolutionary, rises far above current standards in both sound and architecture -- one which therefore sets new standards.

"This applies also to Diane Meredith Belcher's interpretation, which is exemplary in every aspect. It is not necessary to waste words over this; they would be superfluous. She makes optimal use of the qualities of the organ in every instance, and masterfully expresses the essence of each composition as it unfolds. This, and not mere technical skill or virtuosic display, is the predominant characteristic of her playing, which makes it convincing as well as appealing. Also admirable is the interesting program, which presents many facets of the organ: from the crashing reed stops in Timothy Tikker's (b. 1958) effective Tiento de batalla, to the completely blending mutations in J.S. Bach's chorale trio "Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr", and the rich, warm foundation stops used individually in numerous pieces. Further highlights are the Passacaglia from the 8th Sonata of Rheinberger, a piece by the American composer Lee Hoiby with its colorful touch of local atmosphere, the thunderous Pièce héroïque of César Franck, and, and, and....

"Altogether this CD is a well-rounded entity, and as far as the danger of its being addictive is concerned, you had best ask your physician or pharmacist, as this reviewer does not accept responsibility for possible side effects...!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling playing on an exciting new organ, January 14, 2000

By 

A. Smith (Millersburg, Missouri (USA)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ at Claremont United Church of Christ (Audio CD)

This CD is the first of what will hopefully be many showcasing the new Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ at Claremont UCC. If this CD is any indication, it is a splendid instrument. Diane Meredith Belcher does an outstanding job of presenting this organ in all of its moods, from the playful Balbastre Noel to the rich and full Franck Piece Heroique.

There are two particularly sparkling gems in my opinion. The first is the opening Tikker Tiento de Batalla... which was written for this instrument and is played entirely on the reed stops. The second is the Alain Litanies, a particular favorite of mine. Ms. Belcher gives this piece a sense of energy like no one else I've heard.

This CD is a well mastered recording of a wonderfully rich and varied repetoire played by an extraordinary artist on an outstanding new instrument -- what more could you ask!