The Transcriber's Art
Thomas Murray, organist
Woolsey Hall organ, Yale University

Organ transcriptions of orchestral works have been a staple of organ concert repertoire since the middle of the 19th century, particularly in England. In the early-20th century, organs began to be built specifically for orchestral transcriptions, some with large numbers of stops directly imitative of orchestral instruments and a wide, controllable dynamic range. One champion of this style of organ was Ernest M. Skinner. Enlarging upon the earlier work of Hutchings-Votey and J.W. Steere, he created a masterpiece at Woolsey Hall on the campus of Yale University. Consisting of 166 stops in eight divisions with over 12,592 pipes, the Newberry organ, featured on The Transcribers' Art, is an ideal instrument for orchestral transcription---and for displaying the incomparable artistry of organist Thomas Murray.

Sibelius: Finlandia
Delius: On hearing the first cuckoo in spring
Rachmaninoff: Prélude in G minor
Handel: Overture to "Samson"
Elgar: Nimrod from "Enigma Variations"
Liszt: Eglogue from "Annees de Pelerinage"
Ravel: Petit Poucet from "Ma Mère l'Oye"
Kreisler: The Old Refrain
Kreisler: Liebesfreud
Liszt: Les Préludes (Symphonic Poem)