Here is another fabulous collection from Mercury, all important recordings by one of the greatest of all organists. Marcel Dupré, born in Normandy 1888. He had a distinctive career, recognized as a master of his instrument, and as a composer and pedagogue. He gave thousands of concerts in the United States, Canada, Europe and often performed the complete organ works of Bach from memory. Considered to be the "Paganini of the Organ," his career flourished and we are fortunate he made many recordings in stereo.
Marcel Dupré was the foremost French organ virtuoso of his time, an heir to the great tradition of Romantic French organ playing and composing. Dupré was famed for his ability to improvise; he also composed substantial works and was a widely traveled recitalist and an influential teacher.
I have a number of CDs in Ben Van Oosten's complete recordings of Marcel Dupré and this is one of my favourites. The selection of pieces is varied and interesting, but it's the organ and quality of the recording that is most impressive. The Willis organ at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin is a magnificent example of the best in British organ building, and the recording captures the power in a way that showcases some of Dupré's most interesting later works.
Ben Van Oosten is a major star in the Organ World. He has recorded many complete works for organ. The Dupre series is very well played. One of van Oosten's greatest strengths is in full evidence: his ability to find the melody, anywhere, any time. The piece (even when struggling with the metronome) sings at his hands! Only amateurs and connoisseurs of organ music know this exceptional French composer, surely one of the most important of the XXth Century … It is necessary to discover it and for those who do not know him the CD is a good way to access his work….
Ben van Oosten is a gifted organist; of that there is no doubt. He understands the art of registration deeply, and is especially adept with the Cavaille-Coll tradition. This recording was the basis for my own study of Le Chemin de la Croix, and I profited considerably from it.
Ben Van Oosten is a major star in the Organ World. He has recorded many complete works for organ. The Dupre series is very well played. One of van Oosten's greatest strengths is in full evidence: his ability to find the melody, anywhere, any time. The piece (even when struggling with the metronome) sings at his hands! Only amateurs and connoisseurs of organ music know this exceptional French composer, surely one of the most important of the XXth Century … It is necessary to discover it and for those who do not know him the CD is a good way to access his work….
Marcel Dupré was born in Rouen in 1886. His father, Albert Dupré (who in 1911 became holder of the great organs of the Saint-Ouen abbey church in Rouen) began his son's musical training very early on. At the age of four, he developed osteomyelitis and had to have his right collarbone removed and stay in bed for more than six months. He began to work with Alexandre Guilmant in 1897; and the following year, at the age of eleven, he became holder of the great organ of Saint Vivien in Rouen.
Here is a very interesting recording devoted to little-known works, in particular inventions, rich in teaching (as always with Dupré), both in terms of writing and instrumental playing. And performed, like the rest of this magnificent complete, with the seriousness, rigor, inspiration and talent of Ben Van Oosten.
Marcel Dupré was the foremost French organ virtuoso of his time, an heir to the great tradition of Romantic French organ playing and composing. Dupré was famed for his ability to improvise; he also composed substantial works and was a widely traveled recitalist and an influential teacher.
On Vol. 8 of his recording of Dupre's complete organ works, Ben Van Oosten presents four magnificent works from the composer's middle period, performed on the Beuchet-Debierre organ in Angouleme. I'm sure the neighbors are disappointed in my purchase. I rather enjoy rattling the walls with this one. The instrument is magnificent and the performances more than competent.