Search - Peter Michael Hamel :: Peter Michael Hamel: Organum

Peter Michael Hamel
Peter Michael Hamel: Organum
Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, New Age, Pop, Classical

Track Listings (4) - Disc #1
1. Part 1 - Peter Michael Hamel, Hamel, Peter Michae
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Part 4

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CD Details

All Artists: Peter Michael Hamel
Title: Peter Michael Hamel: Organum
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Kuckuck Schallplatten
Release Date: 1/23/1992
Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, New Age, Pop, Classical
Styles: Techno, Meditation, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 013711107425

Synopsis

Album Description

Renowned German composer Peter Michael Hamel turned his focus to the pipe organ for his dramatic composition, Organum. The four-part score is based on the medieval music form, the organum. In Latin, the term organum has two meanings; it either refers to the organ or to the polyphonic Gregorian chant. Hamel combines the two meanings as he masterfully performs on the grand pipe organ at the Academy of Music in Munich, his instrument taking the place of the human voice. The polyphonic form of organum came to its height in 12th century Paris, with composers associated with the Notre Dame Cathedral. Their settings contained contrasting sections; voices rhythmically patterned, discantus style, alternating with sections in which the chant notes were prolonged to accommodate the many notes sung above them, organal style. Hamel incorporates these contrasting sections in the four parts of Organum, an inspired and moving performance by this artist and composer.

CD Reviews

Not Your Everyday Solo Organ Music

11/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this recording has been out for nearly 20 years, there is nothing like it anywhere. "Organum" is based on two elements of music: the first is solo organ music, and the second is that of polyphonic Gregorian Chants. Hamel uses constant, sustaining scales with which to play longer sustaining melody notes on top of. Sometimes quiet and sometimes loud, he captures the full sound of the instrument without ever sounding harsh. There are four pieces to the recording which mostly flows together and sometimes are seperated by a note from a conch shell. It isn't Bach or Liszt, nor is it New Age, but is a music that transcends 20th century classical. I never liked organ music until I heard "Organum" aired in the early '80's on an edition of Hearts of Space series. It took over 10 years to secure a copy. I am a huge "spacemusic" fan and there is nothing I've heard yet that equals the solitude and boldness of this recording. Definately, not your everyday solo organ music."