New Recordings

Ken Cowan plays the Quimby Pipe Organ at First Baptist, Jackson; Art of the Symphonic Organist, Vol. 4. JAV Recordings, JAV 169; www.pipeorgancds.com.
Wagner, Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Saint-Saëns, Danse macabre; Karg-Elert, Three Impressions, op. 108; Symphonischer Choral: “Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade,” op. 87, no. 1; Rubenstein, Kamenoi Ostrow; Moszkowski, Étincelles, op. 36; Concert Etude in F Major, op. 72, no. 6; Poulenc, Presto in B-flat Major; Bovet, Salamanca from Trois Préludes Hambourgeois; Dupré, Allegro deciso from Évocation (Poème Symphonique).
This massive instrument speaks from the front directly into the large sanctuary. Given its size it would seem to be an ideal organ for such as Wagner’s Overture to “Die Meistersinger” or Saint-Saëns’ Danse macabre, in arrangements apparently by Cowan. They are registered colorfully and performed with flair, although occasional ritards in the “Danse” seem to impede the flow a bit.
It is good to have four of Karg-Elert’s impressionistic compositions included, as his music for organ is somewhat neglected today. Cowan gives him his due, using the ample resources of the large instrument. A convincing arrangement of Anton Rubenstein’s Kamenoi Ostrow is included, followed by piano transcriptions of difficult pieces by Moszkowski and Poulenc. These will remind many why such arrangements are something of an acquired taste, and others will be absolutely delighted to hear them!
Two “real” organ compositions finish the disc; first, the exciting Salamanca by Guy Bovet, who writes that “Freedom, color, and fun should characterize performances of this music.” Ken Cowan’s superb performance fulfills that fiat completely, as does the “Allegro deciso” conclusion of Dupré’s Évocation.
—Charles Huddleston Heaton
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
[email protected]