Cort?ge et litanie, for organ & orchestra (or organ solo), Op. 19/2
Symphonie-Passion, for organ, Op. 23: I. Le monde dans l'attente du Sauveur
Symphonie-Passion, for organ, Op. 23: II. Nativit?
Symphonie-Passion, for organ, Op. 23: III. Crucifixion
Symphonie-Passion, for organ, Op. 23: IV. R?surrection
The Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia is the world?s largest functioning musical instrument, and this is the first recording of it restored to full playing condition in the last 30 years. Recorded in 24-bit technology?audiop... more »hile quality sound. Booklet contains pictures of the organ, an extensive and colorful history of the organ and its place in American musical society, and notes by the organist, as well as 13 pages of detailed organ specifications!« less
The Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia is the world?s largest functioning musical instrument, and this is the first recording of it restored to full playing condition in the last 30 years. Recorded in 24-bit technology?audiophile quality sound. Booklet contains pictures of the organ, an extensive and colorful history of the organ and its place in American musical society, and notes by the organist, as well as 13 pages of detailed organ specifications!
CD Reviews
Priceless - top-notch playing on a stupendous instrument
R. Gregory Capaldini | Arlington, VA United States | 03/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of America's musical treasures, officially a National Landmark, resides in the immense central court of a grand old Philadelphia department store. Organist Peter Richard Conte presides over the collective 28,000 pipes of the Wanamaker Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument with six keyboards, pedals, and every conceivable type of pipe organ sound (including bells and other percussion). It excels at approaching the subtle effects of a large symphony orchestra, and significant musicians have been inspired to write music to be played on it. For example, an opportunity to play the Wanamaker in recital inspired French organist-composer Marcel Dupré to write his "Symphonie-Passion," a powerful four-movement meditation on the life of Jesus that incorporates Gregorian chant hymns. Also, the American virtuoso Virgil Fox was asked to devise a Bach chorale arrangement that would utilize the nearly limitless shadings of this organ, and his heartbreaking version of "Come, Sweet Death" is the result. This CD gives us those works and more. It's no exaggeration to assert that only a couple dozen organists in the whole world share Mr. Conte's capabilities in using this monumental instrument to its best effect. The selections here are captured in remarkably clear sound, with Dupré's Symphonie eliciting a deservedly wild ovation in live performance. If you are inspired by great playing on a great pipe organ, you must have this CD, if only because we may never hear this elaborately maintained specimen sounding so good: As of this writing, the ownership of the property containing the Wanamaker Organ is changing hands on account of a corporate merger, which may or may not ensure continued stewardship."
Wanamaker Organ NOT the biggest...
Jennifer A. Stigall | 12/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OK, if you want to get technical, it's the largest PLAYABLE organ but the Atlantic City Convention Hall Organ (for which a restoration program has FINALLY begun) was and is the biggest at 7 manuals 33114 pipes; not to mention that its a unified organ meaning it has many more voices and range then the pipe count might let on. I say all this not to take away from the Wanamaker organ of which I'm also an aficionado, but just to set the record straight; for some reason the Atlantic City Organ is simultaneously the greatest and most neglected musical instrument in the world. If your unfamiliar with it, go to http://www.acchos.org/ and check it out.
Having gotten THAT out of my system, I must recommend this recording. Peter Conte is phenomonal, and the Wanamaker organ has not sounded better since Rodman Wanamaker was alive. Just buy it. Buy "Magic!" (the other Conte/Wanamaker Organ disc) while your at it; you won't be disappointed."
Incredible...
R. A. Boze | Fort Wayne, IN | 04/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my first exposure to Peter Conte or the Wanamaker organ. WOW - I can't believe what I've been missing all this time. Mr. Conte's playing is technically flawless & exhibits musicianship of the highest calibre. And the glorious sound of this organ, so well recorded here - nothing short of stupendous! I keep listening to track 9 - the Dupre "Resurrection" movement - over and over - it is more than stunning!! I can't wait to hear more of Peter Conte or this incredible organ! Thank you!"
Dark, exquisite, and hauntingly beautiful!
Blind man Wayne | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA United States | 11/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One must hear the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ to truly appreciate it. As other reviewers have mentioned, this organ is enormous and powerful, and I was expecting this recording to be an over-the-top assault of arrogant display. Upon hearing it, I now think of the Wanamaker Organ as a fair lady and the organist Peter Conte as her caring sweet lover. The Wanamaker exudes silky-warm tones, and the acoustics of her grand court complement her and make for dreamlike soundscapes. The ranges of tonal effects and sounds, including percussion and lovely delicate bells, are dark and hauntingly beautiful! I'm glad I was home alone as I listened for the first time. The Virgil Fox arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach's `Come Sweet Death' made me cry, as did Marcel Dupre's `Symphonie-Passion (Nativite, Crucifixion, Resurrection)'.
These are excellent recordings! However, pipe organ music can be tricky to reproduce through audio systems. Sound that is overly rich in bass can easily distort and eclipse other sounds. If the bass sounds too "boomy", it is likely reverberating (bouncing) throughout the listening room and robbing one of beautiful inner detail. The bass should be deep, clean, and tight so that it is balanced with the rest of the audio range. There are many very delicate tones and effects throughout these amazing recordings. This CD is a crown jewel in my music collection and comes highly recommended!
"
The World's Best and Biggest Organ Is Back!
James Yelvington | USA | 03/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Countless years ago in a college course on American music taught by the Music School's organ teacher I learned that the Wanamaker organ was the world's biggest. Subsequently I bought an LP of Virgil Fox playing the instrument (in the 60's, as I recall). I enjoyed the LP very much and in spite of flaws and clicks I played it many times.
Through the many intervening years, however, the organ (and, indeed, Wanamaker's department store) suffered some setbacks and we heard little or nothing from the unique, but increasingly delapidated instrument. But in recent years organized efforts to restore this pride and joy of John and Rodman Wanamaker have paid off big time, and the organ is pretty much back in shape today. (Indeed it is even improved in some respects.)
To celebrate its return we have Peter Conte playing an excellent recital of pieces mostly connected in some way or other with the organ. This, then, is an historic recording: a monument of sorts to the devotion of organ-lovers past and present who just would not let a great instrument die. And it IS a great instrument, not only in size, but in the sheer beauty and enormous richness of its sound. (There are several large organs around today, some perhaps larger than this, but none of them is so beautiful.)
So if you are a fan of organs and/or organ music, you really ought to have this recording. No collection of organ music would be truly sufficient without it. The organ is unique and this is a very fine sample of what it can do.
My old teacher told only part of the story: the Wanamaker is not only the biggest (?), but also the best! (And if you want to compare its sound today with that of the 60's, I'm pleased to say the Virgil Fox recital has finally been re-released on CD!)
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1