Search - Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten :: Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
1. Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Moderato
2. Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Choral (Adagio)
3. Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Cantilene (Lento)
4. Symphonie 'Romane' Op.73, No.10 in D: Final (Allegro)
5. Ste Latine Op.86: Praeludium (Moderato)
6. Ste Latine Op.86: Beatus Vir (Andante)
7. Ste Latine Op.86: Lamento (Allegro Moderato)
8. Ste Latine Op.86: Ave Maris Stella (Andante Moderato Molto)
9. Ste Latine Op.86: Adagio (Adagio Quasi Andante)
10. Ste Latine Op.86: Lauda Sion (Tempo Di Marcia)

CD Details

All Artists: Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten
Title: Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: MD&G Records
Release Date: 6/16/1998
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 760623040622

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Volume Six of the complete organ works of Widor includes the late Symphonie romaine, as well as the Suite latine. Both works are based on Gregorian chant melodies, giving the music a haunting, timeless quality characteristic of the modal harmony implied by the original chant tunes. Widor's music is "healthy" music: bold, confident, elegant--there's not a hint of late Romantic decadence about it--and this has curiously limited its popularity. We are always suspicious of music that expresses contentment and happiness, and it's particularly tough to take on the organ, which adds a patina of sentimental religiosity to the mix. Well, here's a chance to abandon any preconceptions and get to know an exceptional series of recordings of some really good music. --David Hurwitz

CD Reviews

An Amazing Listen

Virditas | Tokyo | 04/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though most of our familiarity with Widor stems from his 5th and 6th Organ Symphonies, this work is most definitley among the list of "neglected, obscure classical music." However, this catagory does not mean the music is bad - in fact, this Widor album is among the best I own.The music is very contemplative and thoughtful, but it also expresses an indefinable control aand mastery of form. Ben van Oosten is a master at performing this work. The recording quality is excellent, and every tone, from low bass to hgh treble, is recorded and mixed superbly. It is an added bonus that these works are performed and recorded on the very organ Widor composed then on.This music may take a bit of patience to listen to at first, but give it a chance - it is such good music if you do."

Fitting Conclusion

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 07/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Symphony is meant to be the summation of Widor and his life's work. It is an architecturally astounding piece for both its structural and thematic unity and van Oosten has done a remarkable job of interpreting both the music and the intentions of the composer.

I am still in awe at the resourcefulness of Widor, who, after Nine Symphonies, gives birth to this inventive yet melancholy work that delights the listener continuously. The Symphonies range in form from stately to free-form to exploratory but this meditative prayer is the perfect ending. In a sense, it is the most "organistic" of the Ten and in terms of both registration and interpretation, it is supreme. Oosten's interpretations are again supreme."