In the series "New Organ Edition Ulm Minster," organist Friedemann Johannes Wieland presents the third recording. The compiled program consists exclusively of listener requests made during the traditional organ request concert held in Advent over the past years.
The selection of the program aimed to showcase the diversity of the main organ in Ulm Minster: delicate works from the Baroque and Classical periods alternate with rich sounds from German and French organ Romanticism.
The CD title, "PER TUTTI," reflects the concept and content of this CD, without trying to be pandering: rich, full sounds, delicate tones, and a repertoire where every organ enthusiast can find something familiar. Additionally, this CD includes two German premieres: Henri-Victor Turnaillon's "Introduction et Marche" and Leopold Mozart / Johann Ernst Eberlin's "Der Morgen und der Abend."
The CD program begins with Johann Sebastian Bach's "Passacaglia in C": the ostinato theme develops through 21 variations, followed by a fugue with 12 thematic entries.
Next are two works by Domenico Zipoli, the "Toccata in D" and "Pastorale in C." The Toccata presents a virtuoso display of tonal variety, while the Pastorale gently sways over a pedal point. A short, cheerful middle section leads to a chromatically enriched variation of the opening.
Two pieces from French organ Romanticism follow. Henri-Victor Turnaillon's "Introduction et Marche" unfolds magnificent sounds of reed stops, while Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély's "Boléro de concert" presents the lighthearted and humorous side of this era.
Following this is the cycle "Der Abend und der Morgen," 12 pieces for the horn stop ("Salzburger Stier") of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The horn stop is a roll organ with 200 pipes, playing three times daily. L. Mozart and Eberlin composed a suitable movement for each month, with March including an additional variation cycle.
The first two movements from the Organ Sonata No. 11, Op. 148 by Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger represent German organ Romanticism. While the first movement is dominated by chromatic progressions and modulations, the "Cantilene" flows calmly and atmospherically with its beautiful theme.
The CD program concludes with Théodore Dubois' "Toccata in G," known for its splendor and virtuosity, making it highly popular.
The main organ of Ulm Minster presents itself delicately, differentiated, and at times chamber-like in the typical spatial acoustics of the Minster. The registrations of the compositions feature surprising and unique sound combinations, highlighting the special nature of this instrument.
Not only musically but also in terms of recording, every effort was made for this recording – with the overarching goal of bringing the ever-present polyphony of the music and the extremely dynamic sound spectrum of the instrument to full effect in this overpowering space.
For more information, visit www.fj-wieland.de