Search - Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten :: Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5

Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten
Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
1. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 1: Allegro risoluto
2. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 2: Moderato cantabile
3. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 3: Allegro
4. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 4: Pr?lude (Adagio) (Version 1887)
5. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 5: Variations (Andante)
6. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: Movement 6: Adagio
7. Symphony No. 8 in B flat major for organ, Op. 42/4: movement 7: Finale

CD Details

All Artists: Charles-Marie Widor, Ben van Oosten
Title: Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: MD&G Records
Release Date: 2/27/2001
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 760623040523

Synopsis

Amazon.com

This disc contains a single work: the epic Organ Symphony No. 8. As Ben van Oosten performs it, including the prelude from the 1887 version of the piece, the work is nearly an hour long, though it isn't really a symphony in the traditional sense. For Widor, the "symphonic" concept resided in his exploitation of the almost orchestral colors of the great Cavaille-Coll organs of late-19th-century France. Musically, the work is an extended suite in seven movements, including an extensive set of variations, two adagios, and a typically zippy finale. Widor's Organ Symphonies remain one of the great legacies of 19th-century French music, and they deserve to be better known. This series is uniformly excellent. --David Hurwitz

CD Reviews

Cavaillé-Coll at St Ouen has never sounded better!

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 06/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one fabulous CD in every respect! Reading the liner notes, MDG states that "we aim at genuine reproduction." I just figured that to be a lot of hyperbole, but good grief! It was as amazing an audio experience as I have had. I have a lot of organ CDs in my collection, and none of them has achieved the effect of this CD. I have toyed for a few years with getting this Widor collection, but decided that the price of the CD (definitely not of the budget variety) was too prohibitive. I have changed my mind. You definitely get what you pay for.The amazing sound is almost enough to make you forget to appreciate the splendid musicianship Ben van Oosten displays. It is so tempting with these works simply to go for the "organ fireworks" approach and make the windows rattle, but what van Oosten gives the listener is a measured and marvelously reflective performance.If you thought you hated organ music, you may simply have been listening to the wrong organists. A CD such as this might be enough to change your mind!"

My mistake for avoiding this Masterpiece

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 07/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard the other symphonies (many more than once) before I decided to listen to the Eighth while - of all things - cutting my grass. I don't remember the yard but I do remember that the first thing I did after my shower was to find this CD and play it. What a revelation!!! In scope, it is the most ambitious, in sound, the most varied, in quality of musicality, perhaps the best. I have to agree with the other reviewers that both the playing and the sounds of this long work are just fantastic. One can almost imagine Widor sitting at his organ, composing and playing alternatively, trying out various melodies, harmonies and techniques. This recording rivals any of my other organ CDs. Bravo!"