Persuasive
Mark Swinton | 12/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"John Scott Whiteley has been the Sub-Organist at York Minster for nearly twenty-seven years. This disc is one of several solo recordings he has made from that vantage point, and it is indubitably one of the best.He specialises in the Romantic repertoire, and is one of the leading exponents of the music of Joseph Jongen, beautifully represented in this programme with his "Menuet-Scherzo." Whiteley makes light work of some breathtakingly virtuosic pieces here: his renditions of the toccata-carillon "Tu es Petra" by Henri Mulet and the "Prelude and Fugue in G minor" by Marcel Dupre are seemingly effortless. The programme is also fleshed out with a little-known "Wedding Prelude" by Strauss and one of Tournemire's powerful improvisations, an especially strong piece of music that is wonderfully enhanced in effect by the resonance of York Minster. A couple of pieces are somewhat more intimate, in particular the Chorale Prelude "O Gott, du Frommer Gott" by Brahms - one of the composer's last works, brooding and dark but wistful rather than angry. It is quite remarkable how carefully Whiteley seems to 'unfold' this piece: he shows a great understanding for its nuances and communicates them well. The disc ends with a sampling from the core of the organ repertoire: the "Fantasia and Fugue on BACH" by Liszt, in its familiar second version of 1870. Opinions about this work differ greatly amongst organists and the improvisational nature of the music has lead to numerous and varied interpretations on record, but this is certain one worth hearing: Whiteley pulls it off most impressively.This was the first CD release by the York Ambisonic label, who seek to capture the complete ambience of the venue (York Minster) and reproduce it faithfully on speakers; it follows that the more speakers you have, the better it will sound. It is a fine achievement: a well-balanced selection of music, admirably played. Those with any interest in the Romantic Organ repertoire need not hesitate, but this programme may also prove accessible to casual listeners. Enjoyable and recommended!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1