The music on this disc is all closely associated with The Wanamaker Organ, arguably the greatest symphonic organ ever built. John and Rodman Wanamaker left us, as their legacy, the very pinnacle of symphonic organ design; over the past century, many of the world's leading organists have made pilgrimages to perform on this great instrument. Several have composed works especially for the Wanamaker organ, inspired by its truly unique and wonderfully rich, warm character, and by the splendor of its unparalleled palette of orchestral color. Features only the second recording on this instrument by current Grand Court organist Peter Richard Conte. Full color booklet explaining the history of the organ and all the famous organists who played there. Full specifications of the organ, and detailed articles on its history.

Don't wait. Get it now. Fabulous! - The American Organist

The Grammy-nominated Dale Warland Singers release their highly anticipated final recording, Lux Aurumque. This program of popular 19th- and 20th-century sacred music demonstrates the high choral standards Warland reached with his now disbanded group. The trademark Warland sound is captured brilliantly by the Grammy award-winning team of Steve Barnett and Preston Smith.

One of NPR'S 10 Best Classical CDs of 2007!

Shaker music is one of the richest bodies of folksong in American history and Kevin Siegfried's arrangements follow Shaker aesthetics of beauty, simplicity and utility. Sung by The Tudor Choir, this recording incorporates a variety of original choral arrangements, including unison singing and antiphonal performances. 

 

This is one of the staff's favorite CDs...

The Boston Brass is paired with Mel Butler on the landmark Flentrop organ of St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle for this sonic spectacular! "Blast Off" with the world premiere recordings of Bruce Edward Miller's Pluto: The Last Planet; land in stormy Seattle with "Here's That Rainy Day" (Jimmy van Heusen). Also included: Solemn Entry by Strauss, Poeme Heroique by Dupre and Grand Choeur Dialogue by Gigout. 24-bit recording.

 

This is a CD of quality that should long be remembered. - The Organ magazine (UK)

Prized for its amazing variety of sounds and for its technical complexity, the organ has been used to celebrate powerful rulers and religious institutions since its invention in the third century BC. This CD presents some of the earliest music written for organ, both sacred and secular, played by a leader in the field of early performance practice.  Cappella Romana joins Dr Marshal to sing chant verses in alternatim.

Schooled by both Franck and Widor, Louis Vierne brought the great French Romantic organ symphony to its zenith. Martin Jean brings these masterworks to life, using the full spectrum of sound available on Woolsey Hall's great organ.

From a concert given on the day of the Columbia shuttle tragedy comes this moving performance of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil, sung with the dynamics and expressive power of one of the world's great choral ensembles. Sung in Church Slavonic.

 

This is one of the most unusual CDs to come across our desk in a long time. It has only six pieces, and the total length is only 20 minutes. We think the Billy Joel lullaby is worth the price of admission, but for others it might be "Blackbird." Highly recommended.