By EE115671
16-Nov-2012

QuinCentenary Celebration of Printed Organ Music  

Organist Kimberly Marshall brings to life a celebration of five hundred years of printed organ music in this CD recorded a few months ago. The first organ instruction and theory recorded in printed form Tabulatur etlicher Lobgesang und lidlein was printed by Arnolt Schlick in 1512, 72 years after the Gutenberg printing press. That the skill of publishing the printed word took less than a century to spread throughout medieval Europe warrants celebration and admiration for those who labored for this work.

This celebration utilizes the spectacular Paul Fritts Organ at Arizona State University at Tempe. The works are performed by Professor Marshall, an international scholar who maintains an active schedule and promulgates numerous aspects of organ history, construction, and performance. The booklet provides education and appreciation for the capabilities of the organ described by Schlick and enhanced by modern instruments. Compositions by Schlick and others of the period for choral and instrumental performance comprise the tracks, listed appropriately at the front of the booklet.

Schlick’s introduction from his Preface to the organ-building handbook Spiegel rings as true today as in 1511, when an organization explores the daunting task of building a new organ. The cover jacket illustration and “red shoes” photo add whimsy and humor to this thought-provoking exploration. Dr. Marshall shares her skills on the Fritts organ utilizing the smooth flutes and diapasons, substantial reeds, and bright solid mixtures to showcase this fine instrument. Her very thorough discussion of the book, history, and program informs and offers perspective for this venue.

This CD will be valuable to students and aficionados of music history, those interested in the quality of fine organ building, and libraries preserving the record of culture and history of Western civilization.
more....

By WH99400
19-Nov-2012

Marvelously performed Organ Music from Dr. Marshall  

The music on this disc consists of various organ works from 1450 to 1538, performed by the always virtuosic Kimberly Marshall on the Fritz Organ at Arizona State University. While most of the pieces don't have the complexities of Bach or Buxtehude, the music is pleasant and warm, and the mixture of short solo vocal chant tracks at various points is very satisfying. The music of Arnolt Schlick is featured prominently.

Particularly noteworthy for Dr. Marshall's fine pedal work is track 14 Zucht, Her und Lob, and several of the pieces (particularly track 15, Schlick's Benedictus, and track 17, Schlick’s Primi Toni) demonstrates the incredible range possible on the organ as well as the wonderful sound of the Fritz. The Primi Toni is just an incredible acoustic adventure featuring seemingly effortless pedal work and virtuosic smoothness on the keyboards -- turn this track up... way up. Track 28, Schlick's Da Pacem, 3rd verse is HUGE and beautiful and powerful and -- well, there is a reason the organ is called the King of instruments!

The recording quality is excellent, and this CD captures (as well as any CD can attempt to capture) the sound of the instrument. Of course, nothing can replace hearing an Organ in person -- and I've heard this particular Organ myself -- but the sound engineers did a fine job here. Also, Dr. Marshall's personality and joy in playing shines right through into the speakers.

This disc is very fulfilling and provides a satisfying listening experience. Having seen Kim Marshall perform in person, I definitely wish I had been there in person to hear it recorded -- she's just amazing. Highly recommended.
more....