Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Muffat, Girolamo Frescobaldi :: Die größte Kirchenorgel der Welt und die Glocken im Hohen Dom zu Passau

Walther Schuster playing in Passau

Jacques Messier | Montréal, Canada | 02/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Think big with style.



If you like heavy organ, the one of Passau surely will serve you, under the talent and richness of Walther Schuster.



The golden overloaded instrument is magnificent and used at times for other recording. In fact, the instrument is a safe value for concert and audience.



Walther's sober playing fits with the instrument despite a safe and moderate registration. His technique is remarkable and the profound sound of the organ is clearly put in front of the listener for the best effect. Just one or two very little hesitations : useless to insist.



The interpretation of the Bach Prelude and Fugue in C-Dur may have been more fluent especially because of its cadence to the pedal that imposes a more dancing step mood. Same thing with Reger's Sonata. Maybe few hesitations in the execution : so many notes in Reger ! but it looks here that everything is present, including few good tries in variable registration.



The toccata from Muffat is to my view, the climax of this program. Schuster seems here more easy-going, giving the toccata a fluid and enjoyable stream. Rhythm and tempo are clear for the best effect, making the listening more relax.



The Cd opens on the bell's church. Nice to hear, but I don't see the point here, as I'm expecting to ear the great organ at first.



In short, a good program and high recording quality. A must to get familiar with the instrument, but we might expect more.



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