Customer Reviews

Organ Sensation

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is an overview of what the young professional organist can do with the classical organ repertoire. The choice of pieces reflect the various moods of execution to a particular purpose : performance.

The selection of pieces is for sure, bright and uneasy one, starting with the First Sonata of Guilmant and its acrobatic final, the Final of Vierne's First Symphony, followed by two monumental masterpieces from Franz Liszt B-A-C-H and the Ad Nos, ad Salutarem Undam. The only meditative piece is from Rheinberger, Abendfriede, which serves here as smooth transition between Guilmant and Vierne.

For sure, Felix Hell brings lot of fresh air in the conservative world of organ. Furthermore, the performer who's already worldwide known as a north American star with a personal touch, is a grant holder from Julliard School.

This CD is just a preview of what Felix Hell can do live in concert. Hope the best for a bright future.

I'm actually quite surprised this album hasn't received more reviews given the quality of the performance the excellent Prof Johnson recording. Some classic organ pieces were chosen for this album, including Lizst's excellent ad nos, with its rousing all-the-stops finale. The Prof Johnson recording captures the full range of the organ with the bass extending all the way down to a subwoofer-fluttering 16-20 Hz. This is probably one of the most low frequency intensive organ recordings I own, so lesser subwoofers beware. Owners of capable systems will appreciate the tactile sensations that the album presents.

All in all, great pieces performed and captured well. If you haven't had a chance to see Felix Hell in person, he tours around quite a bit. It's worth checking his webpage to see if and when he might be performing nearby.