Search - Jeanne Demessieux, Maurizio Ciampi :: 6 Etudes for Organ / Seven Meditations on the Holy

Brilliant!

Randall Harlow | Bloomington, IN | 09/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Six Etudes of Jeanne Demessieux are often regarded as the most difficult pieces in organ repertoire. With the exception of a few very obscure comtemporary works, I would have to agree. They require a complete transcendental control of the entire body at the console. It is impossible to fake a performance of these works - either you can play them, or you can't. Mr. Ciampi proves without a doubt that he can. The recording is remarkably clear; every detail of every piece can be heard (unlike the depressingly muddy recording of Demessieux herself playing them). Not only are the pieces played almost technically perfect, but Mr Ciampi's musicianship is unquestionable. Buy this recording not only for the only clear performance of the titanic Six Etudes, but for a musically brilliant performance on a great organ in a great room."

Rare music performed in rare fashion!

Harry A. Nass, III | San Antonio, TX USA | 09/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not well known and rarely performed (due to some extreme difficulty), the organ works of Jeanne Demessieux are brought to life by Mssr. Ciampi with emotion, registraion and a pedal technique that Virgil Fox would hold in approval! The technical demands of some of the Etudes and Meditations require a master of the instrument and the listener will not be disappointed by this artist or recording. The acoustics of the large instrument under the deft control of the organist give a very satisfying performance of these rarely recorded works.If you like the early and mid 20th century compositions of Dupre and Durufle and you appreciate the full spectrum of the king of instruments you will enjoy this recording."