Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Joseph Haydn, Marcel Dupre :: The Ruffatti Organ in Davies Symphony Hall

The Music is Served

John Prothero | Garden Grove, CA United States | 05/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up in the 70's listening to Virgil Fox and thinking he was the "most". In the 80's it was Carlo Curly. As my music tastes changed and refined, I realized that they were the "Liberace's" of the organ: style over substance. Now I truly appreciate the playing of Michael Murray, and I feel that this CD truly showcases his gift. It is a wonderful eclectic mix of Bach and some of the 20th Century organ masters. What is so wonderful about this CD is that in spite of a large instrument at his disposal (which Fox or Curley would utilize to it's fullest) Murray selects registration for the Bach that allows the music to shine through, yet allows the contemporary Ruffatti voicing to enhance the Bach vision of God. It is the perfect balance between the garishnous of Fox and the conservative playing of E. Power Biggs. The Bach is played with great articulation and expressiveness, serving the music well. Then the fire starts with Messian's "Du Parmi Nou". It continues with Dupre (Murray's teacher), some gentle Widor, and finishes with a brilliant interpretation Cesar Frank's "Final in Bb". The Telarc engineers truly picked up the dynamics of the Davies Symphony Hall installation (this recording was made before the wonderful acoustical renovation in the early '90's). This is an excellent CD to own for the instrument, the music and the performance."

Audiophile delight

Ron Hart | San Francisco | 02/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a CD that will tell you the truth about your sound system. Track 11, Widor's Adagio, Symphony No. 6. is a truly difficult piece to reproduce even for a top notch system. Abysmal, melodious bass well isolated against crystal clear highs. It will tell you every resonance in your listening room. Don't have an equalizer? You may want one after listening to this.



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Stupendous!

Marilyn Piepho | Olean, New York | 06/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of pipe organ music then you will absolutely want to have this CD. The Ruffatti organ is rich and vibrant, and mighty powerful, as well as tender and gentle, according to the master's ability to play. And this organist does a fabulous job. I listen to this over and over again ! What a blessing it is to me, uplifts me when I am down, encourages me, inspires me, and calms me when I need it the most."