Stefan Schmidt invites you to experience the grandeur and power of the Klais Organ of Würzburg Cathedral through his captivating album, "Organ Transcriptions." Released on November 20, 2020, this classical masterpiece showcases Schmidt's exceptional skill and the organ's remarkable range.
The album features two iconic works: Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," masterfully arranged for organ by Oskar Gottlieb Blarr, and Johannes Brahms's "Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24," arranged by Michael Schmeding. Each piece is brought to life with stunning clarity and depth, highlighting the organ's ability to convey both delicate subtlety and thunderous grandeur.
"Pictures at an Exhibition" takes listeners on a vivid journey through a series of musical tableaux, from the playful "Gnomus" to the majestic "The Great Gate of Kiev." Schmidt's interpretation brings out the unique character of each movement, making this a standout performance.
The album's second half is dedicated to Brahms's intricate and harmonically rich "Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel." Schmidt's precise and expressive playing navigates the complex contrapuntal lines with ease, showcasing the organ's versatility and the composer's genius.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, "Organ Transcriptions" is a testament to Stefan Schmidt's artistry and the Klais Organ's extraordinary capabilities. Recorded in the acoustically superb setting of Würzburg Cathedral, this album offers a truly immersive listening experience.
Vinylscout