$1.65
Anatol Lyadov, trans. Thomas Heywood
A Musical Snuffbox, Op. 32
This track is from the celebrated album:
The Music Box
Thomas Heywood
The 1962 Klais Organ
Himmerod Abbey • Germany
'Its clear, strong, distinctive voices soar individually and collectively in the capacious acoustic with twelve seconds of reverberation. All is captured brilliantly in this excellent recording. The instrument in its ideal environment is one of Europe's finest. Heywood chose a demanding and delightful program of transcriptions of several well-known works that demonstrate, under his masterful and imaginative control, that this classically designed organ has undeniable symphonic capabilities. Special acknowledgment is due to Heywood's wife, Simone O'Loughlin, who is his manager and was his musical assistant for this recording. Many of the multitudinous, lightning-quick registration changes were no doubt accomplished thanks to her collaborative skill. Heywood offers his own edition of J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565, in which he 'orchestrates' the work, recalling the manner of Virgil Fox. The Fugue is especially impressive with its gradual, massive buildup. For the Bach-Ernst Concerto in G major, Heywood chooses conservative, style-appropriate registrations. He performs the work with rhythmic drive, mercurial tempos in the outer movements, and an appealing sense of spontaneity. His performances on this recording are compellingly captivating. They greatly expand the parameters of possibility of a fine neoclassical organ in an ideal acoustic.' (The American Organist, USA)
A masterful recording of stunning showpieces performed in the glorious acoustic of Himmerod Abbey, Germany - one of the finest acoustics in Europe.
This magnificent organ literally sings into the clean twelve-second acoustic, and both the instrument and ’the building’ are fully captured on this unique recording.
With an engaging program of works - including the most famous organ piece of all time - the combination of performer and instrument is 'simply perfect'.
Program highlights include:
Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Haydn’s 'Surprise' Symphony
Mendelssohn’s War March of the Priests
Tchaikovsky’s Coronation March
And much more!
