Following on from the tremendous popularity of the two previous volumes, this is Ian Tracey’s third symphonic organ works CD for Chandos on the enormous Willis organ of Liverpool Cathedral.

 

Ian Tracey is well-established as one of the leading exponents of this music and his skills are brought out to the fore in this brilliant selection of virtuosic works by some of the greatest masters of this genre, including Saint-Saëns, Guilmant and Dupré.

 

The advance of the organ in its symphonic guise was largely due to the revolutionary new organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. This led to the development of a new sound for a new age, and the newly-fledged concert grande orgue became a mighty extension of the orchestra in its own right. Composers were attracted to the idea of combining organ and orchestra for the sheer glorious panoply of sound, and thus organ symphonies entered the repertoire. At the end of the 19th century, and into the 20th which encompasses the repertoire on this disc, the organ and orchestra speak as one mighty instrument or brilliantly contrast in virtuosity and effect. There is one other defining characteristic of the music presented here: its intrinsic “Frenchness”, not just by definition of nationality, but also by virtue of sound.

 

Saint-Saëns was the most cosmopolitan of the composers featured, although all their lives were interwoven in some way. Echoes of Saint-Saëns' mighty Organ Symphony can be heard in Cypress e Lauriers, and supplements use of a chansontype melody with growing clamour, jagged chords and fanfare motifs. Among Gigout’s 400 or so solo organ works, the Grand Choeur Dialogue is among the most popular. Dubois’ Fantasie Triomphale is a testimony to the advances in organ voicing and technique.

 

All the composers are famous for their organ compositions and Ian Tracey performs all with virtuosity and feeling. This is a must for organ fans and symphonic enthusiasts alike.

 

"Ian Tracey makes the most of the colouristic possibilities of his fine instrument and also uses the widest possible range of dynamics, with the tone at times shaded down to a distant whisper." Penguin Complete Guide

"Tracey as ever has an absolute feel for the building and the organ… its wonderful palette of well-nigh incomparable soft solo-colours enlivens the softer moments in the programme which will bring pleasure to many." Organist’s Review