Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of César Franck's symphonic organ works with this captivating album, "Franck: Symphonic Organ Works." Recorded in the awe-inspiring acoustic setting of St Paul's Cathedral, this collection showcases the grandeur and depth of Franck's compositions, brought to life by the masterful playing of Simon Johnson, the current Organist of St Paul's Cathedral.
The album features a compelling arrangement of Franck's Symphony in D Minor, CFF 130, skillfully adapted for the organ by Johnson himself. This three-movement symphony unfolds with a sense of drama and grandeur, from the solemn opening "Lento" to the lively "Allegretto" and the triumphant "Allegro non troppo." Additionally, the album includes the serene "Cantabile in B Major, CFF 103," the heroic "Pièce héroïque, CFF 104," and the profound "Rédemption, CFF 184: Morceau symphonique 'Symphonic Interlude'" arranged by Roth.
With a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Franck's organ works, recorded in stunning high-quality sound. The combination of Franck's timeless compositions, Johnson's virtuosic playing, and the majestic acoustics of St Paul's Cathedral makes this album a true gem for classical music enthusiasts and organ music aficionados alike.