Gillian Weir "Poulenc: Concerto For Organ" SACD

Gillian Weir and the English Chamber Orchestra deliver a dazzling collection of works for organ and orchestra, performed on the 1995 Marcussen & Son, at St. Augustine's Chapel, Tonbridge School. Along with a superb performance of Poulencs Organ Concerto and Barbers Toccata Festiva, this new disc features the premiere recording of Pierre Petit's Concertino for organ, strings and percussion.

Gillian Weir has performed the ever-popular Poulenc Organ Concerto 65 times; with its imaginative scoring and lyrical impulse always to the fore it, draws the listener in and compels the attention. Weir is able to demonstrate her formidable musicianship with a dramatic cadenza in the quintessentially French Concertino for organ, strings and percussion, whilst Barbers Toccata Festiva showcases ravishing sonorities from both organ and orchestra and includes an extended cadenza for organ pedals. Gillian Weir made her career-launching debut at the Royal Albert Hall on the opening night of the 1965 season of the Proms performing the Poulenc Organ Concerto. Since then she has engaged in a dazzling career as an internationally acclaimed concert organist, taking up residence in England and the USA along the way. Britain's Dame Gillian Weir is one of the world's foremost musical artists. Her unique career as an internationally acclaimed concert organist, performing worldwide at the great festivals and with leading orchestras and conductors, has established her as a distinguished musician. The contribution made to the world of the organ by Dame Gillian Weir is almost incalculable. Our instrument has hardly had such a skilled ambassador in modern times.

Tracklisting

1. Concerto for Organ, Strings & Timpani in G Minor, FP 93
2. Concertino for Organ, Strings & Percussion: I. Allegro
3. Concertino for Organ, Strings & Percussion: II. Très lent
4. Concertino for Organ, Strings & Percussion: III. Modéré
5. Toccata festiva, Op. 36