Album insights
Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, born in the same year, took contrasting paths in opera composition. Verdi’s Aida, premiered in Cairo in 1871, features a triumphant march symbolizing Radames' return. This grand opera integrates various musical expressions seamlessly. In his work, Verdi's melodies in A-flat major later transition to B major, building up to a magnificent finish.
Paul Spicer, known for his choral contributions, gained recognition as a composer. His piece, Fanfares and Dances, premiered in 2004 at the wedding of Nigel Potts and Liese Leyrer in New York. Vibrant harmonies alternate majestically in this work, ranging from stately passages to lively dance interludes.
César Franck, established in Paris, composed his Trois pièces pour grand orgue for the Trocadéro at the 1878 Paris World Exposition. This work, leading with the heroic Pièce héroïque, features a choral theme transitioning into a triumphant reprise and a grand finale.
Iain Farrington, a skilled composer and organist, presented Animal Parade—a vibrant work with vivid depictions of animals. The Penguins movement captures the penguins' awkward movements through shivering sextuplets and glissandi. Giraffes exudes grace with its flowing As-Dur Andante, while Barrel Organ Monkey showcases primitive charm.
Marcel Lanquetuit's Toccata in D-Dur, dedicated to his mentor Albert Dupré, offers a refreshing take on the traditional form. The lively staccato chords culminate in a resonant melody, distinct from Marcel Dupré's style.
Alfred Hollins, blind from birth, excelled as a concert organist and composer. His Triumphal March showcases his mastery, reminiscent of Elgar's grand marches yet uniquely his own.
Samuel Sebastian Wesley's Choral Song and Fugue defies traditional rules, with a joyful first part leading into a daring fugue. Wesley tackles harmonies boldly, reminiscent of Beethoven's ingenuity.
Dudley Buck, after European studies, composed Variations on "Old Folks at Home," showcasing diverse musical styles. The piece transitions through variations, ending with a contemplative coda.
Alexandre Guilmant, an accomplished organist in Paris, paid homage to French music traditions in his Sonata in D minor op. 42. The piece, structured with opera overtures in mind, skillfully transitions between energetic and serene movements, showcasing his brilliance in composition.