By EC136212
08-Jul-2012

Prizewinner Lane promotes CIOC excellence with panache, verve  

The Canadian International Organ Competition 2011, won by Christian Lane, carries as a benefit the production of a CD to broadcast the talent and instruments now available. Mr. Lane wastes no time in illustrating his prize-winning skills with a stunning recital on the Orgue Casavant Op. 869 in the Church of Saints-Anges Gardiens, Lachine, Montreal. Nineteenth and Twentieth century composers shine once again via the mastery of this rising star of the organ world.

The recital program is jump-started with Elgar’s Imperial March, and not a breath is taken until the conclusion of Vierne’s Carillon. Each composition is beautifully suited to the very French-quality sound of the 2006-refurbished Casavant organ. Variety in the program selection illustrates technique, religious contemplation, regal celebration, and fantasy. The lovely and clever stop combinations shine through the pieces as elegant texture and provocative spirit. Mr. Lane also wrote the helpful notes for the booklet.

This recording promotes the CIOC festival and invites talent from worldwide competitors, showcasing the instruments and compositions to be appreciated in this genre. The earnest organ student, manuscript scholar, traveler, and music lover will want to acquire a copy of this CD, and travel to Canada to partake of its cultural banquet. Mr. Lane’s career as recitalist, teacher, scholar, and organ star has just been launched, providing a stellar example for others to emulate and appreciate.
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By Frédéric Cardin
La Scena Musicale
01-Sep-2012

Christian Lane chose a rather panoramic approach to the recital rather than exploring in depth one or two more substantial works. He nevertheless concentrates his attention on romanticism and its more modern derivatives, from Schumann to Dupré via Elgar, Liszt, Roger-Ducasse, Vierne, and Whitlock. This repertoire suits him well. The young performer, associated with Harvard, has a delicate touch, is attentive to subtle nuances and quite talented as a colourist. Roger-Ducasse’s Pastorale possesses a delightful, folksy charm, and Vierne’s Clair de Lune is quite accomplished, with its diaphanous textures. And Liszt’s Variations Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen is very pleasing. The harmonic discourse is well mastered and the dynamic contrasts are skillfully conducted, increasing the affective potential of the work. A beautiful album. © 2012 La Scena Musicale Read complete review