Customer Reviews

Virgil Fox: Encores

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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)!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fox takes the listener on a musical journey with the Aeolean Skinner pipe organ at Riverside Church. The power and beauty of the King of Instruments in this recording are unmatched. Two thumbs up!!

For the lover of Pipe Organ Music...This selection has one of the best up tempo, heart pounding, roof raddling songs...tocatta from symphony #5 by Widor

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.

What else can I say that has not already been said by other reviewers? I can add just one item. If you have a good home audio system make sure your roof is intact after the performance. The numbers here are magnificent to begin with and Mr. Fox's playing is superb. The bass in Bach's 'Fuge in G Minor' is truly thunderous and awe inspiring. Handel's 'Concerto No. 10 for Strings: Aria' will leave you asking for more. At the end Widor's 'Symphony No. 5: Toccata' will blow you off your couch. I have a mediocre speaker system and the numbers sound ravishing. I can well imagine how astounding this CD would sound on a decent system. Umm... maybe it's time to upgrade my audio.

The previous reviews are not wrong. One of the best organists of the last century at his peak playing the great Aeolian-Skinner organ that he made his own. Just marvelous listening. You will need good sound equipment for the bass notes.
If you enjoy this you should not be without CDs The Art of Virgil Fox (EMI Classics) and The Art of Virgil Fox II - equally as good. My god how this man could play he knew this instrument inside out! Fantastic.