Search - David [7] Briggs, William [composer] Walton, Gabriel Faure :: David Briggs Organ Spectacular

For lovers of the organ

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 01/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Along with a selection of jazz improvisations for the organ, Delos label has issued a most impressive (DE 3241) with soloist David Briggs at the organs of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. We have 6 selections here making up the 68 minutes of this program and one must really like organ music to appreciate the contents. It begins and ends with two 23-minute works--an improvisation and set of variations on some Bach music and a "Sonata on the 9th Psalm" by Julius Reubke. The other shorter pieces include Walton's "Coronation March," a Nocturne from a Faure suite, Nevins' "Will o' the Wisp," Vierne's "Carillon de Westminster." Much of this is very solemn and somber; and where lightness is called for, the heaviness of the organ sound is not quite appropriate. I am afraid this might be of limited appeal, except (again) to those very fond of the sound of the organ. Beautifully played, mind you, but a matter of taste."