The Art of Organ improvisation „The 4 seasons“ - CD 2-8 (Code: OP4009)

To progress from the simplest form of free music-playing - the small, simple freely invented melody – to a musical art form, is indeed a long journey.

That which the composer puts together artistically in complex small detail and written execution to a complete work, the improviser must develop spontaneously and in that moment. To invent and present music in the same breath demands not only a special artistic talent, but also a considerable measure of practise and study, a mastery of the various different styles and forms, of the musical devices in melody and rhythm, and, of course a virtuoso command of finger and pedal technique and of the instrument.

„Improvisation is the art of illusion", said the eminent French organ improviser Pierre Cochereau. Rather like conjuring, the art of the moment, spontaneous and fascinating, we have preserved the moment with our recordings, always aware of the problems of such a "snapshot". Let yourself be enchanted by the 8 x 4 seasons. How do 8 organists approach the subject? Baroque, romantic, modern? Listen to well-known songs, variations, moods, sound-painting, symphonic poetry. How do the organists approach the sound of the organ? The individual stops, the mixtures of sound, the full organ sound? What effect do the music and the instrument have on you?

Each organist develops his own view, his personal concept of the depiction of the

„4 Seasons": the seasons in a Christian context, mythological, allied to nature, in the form of children's songs and folksongs, as a contemplation of texts and pictures, or wholly philosophical as a symbol of growth and death. Our only demand of all 8 organists was to arrange the hymn „Geh aus mein Herz und suche Freud", and to portray a storm. How do the organists approach these prerequisites? How and where are the hymn and the storm integrated into the context of the work?

We thank the organists who have agreed to take on this tense, difficult and not wholly unproblematic project, and expose themselves to the artistic challenge of the theme and to competitive comparison. Improvisation means, of course, live. No editing, no repeats, no touching up. Each organist had 2 – 3 chances and attempts and after about 8 x 8 hours it was all over.

We also thank sound engineer Toms Spogis from the Ambiente Label in Algermissen for the wonderful, relaxed and ever-inspiring cooperation.

Special thanks go to the 8 organ builders, without whose support this project would have been impossible.

„Improvisation is the art of illusion, but what would life be without illusions"! With this motto ringing in our ears we wish you many fascinating and magic moments with the 8 x 4 seasons.

Vol.1: Torsten Laux - Max-Reger Organ - Michaelskirche in Weiden

CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE

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Vol.2: Pater Theo Flury - Mathis-Organs -Klosterkirche Einsiedeln / Schweiz

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Vol.3: Gereon Krahforst - Jann-Organ - Ev. Stadtkirche St. Marien in Gunzenhausen

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Vol.4: David Trimm - Rensch-Organ - Martinskirche in Albstadt-Ebingen

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Vol.5: László Fassang - Mühleisen/Pécser Orgelbaumanufaktur-Organ - Palast der Künste in Budapest

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Vol.6: Markus Willinger - Goll-Organ - Neustädter (Universitäts-) Kirche in Erlangen

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Vol.7: Rudolf Lutz - Kuhn-Orgel - Klosterkirche Engelberg/Schweiz

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Vol.8: Martin Schmeding - Jäger & Brommer-Organ - St. Remigius-Kirche in Merdingen

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