Search - Widor, Parker-Smith :: Organ Symphonies 5 & 7

Great sound!

Alberto Pedretti | Milan, ITALY | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You know...the organ in St.Eustache, Paris, is one of the greatest and powerful in the world and one of the most difficult to record. I've been many times in this gothic church and I've listened the organ in concert and during masses and funerals. Be sure, this is one of the finest recording of this incredible instrument. If you got a sub-woofer...be careful to your windows!

Jane parker-Smith is a real wizard at the consolle. This CD is a joy for all Widor fans!

So, I can't agree with the other customer.

"

There's got to be limits

Frode Skag Storheim | Austmarka, Hordaland, Norway | 06/06/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD includes probably the second most popular organ piece in the world, Toccata, Op. 42. I would rate Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor as the most poular one.



Anyway, there's no doubt that Jane Parker-Smith is an incredible performer, but just listen to the tempo she uses in the mentioned Toccata: She's playing so fast, you dont have the chance to do it articulated. This is entirely against Widors will. In his days, he was pleased with the success this single piece gave him, but he was not at all happy about those who played the piece too fast. Like Parker-Smith indeed does on this recording.



Of course, this is a brilliant recording, nice sound quality, and I'm sure many Widor fans would like to add this one to their collection, but I wouldn't have done it."

Wonderful!

Ken A | Charlotte, NC United States | 03/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"RE: The Toccata in the 5th. While I am not a trained music critic, I know what I like. I looked up the definition of the word "toccata" and www.brottmusic.com lists it as "An important type of early keyboard music characterized by rapid, repeated notes, designed to 'show off' the instrument, composer, and the performer." Other sites list similar meanings. I'd say that Ms. Parker-Smith is certainly "showing off" her extraordinary skills, the music and most assuredly, the instrument.

Bravo!"