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    A. Cavaillé-Coll Organ, originally Paris, France, moved to Mainz, Germany (1877)- -
    Samples by Prof. Helmut Maier
    Gigout, Eugène: Prelude - Chorale and AllegroDownload
    No. 1 from Ten Pieces for Organ, the Prelude opens quietly with a Pédale solo and then a restless theme on the G.O. which pervades the whole. The Chorale is sounded in close harmony on foundations and reeds of the Récit. At the Allegro there is a sudden surge of sound which builds in a meandering way to a thundering climax. Adapted for two manuals using the extended layout. [8:26] HW1
    Gigout, Eugène: AbsouteDownload
    No. 3 from Ten Pieces for Organ, this compelling piece evokes the spirit of Louis Vierne. Adapted for two manuals with Récit. Hautbois 8' used for Anches de Récit., Trompette 8' added for Anches de Positiv, Bombarde 16' as Anches de G.O. [7:58] HW1
    Gigout, Eugène: Rhapsodie (on Christmas Carols)Download
    No. 6 from Ten Pieces for Organ, a tour-de-force utilizing Adeste Fideles and other carols. Uses the extended set. [7:5] HW1
    Buxtehude, Dietrich: Praeludium in A minor, BuxWV 153Download
    Plenty of virtuosity to go around, especially at the end with some bravura pedal passages and spectacular chords in contrary motion. [6:8] HW1
    Franck, César: Fantaisie in C MajorDownload
    In four main sections, marked Poco lento - restful with a canon in the middle; Allegretto cantando - containing rather virtuosic counterpoint; Quasi lento - amazing sonic buildup and letdown; and Adagio - strangely comforting, like the soft movements at the end of each Mendelssohn Sonata. [8:56] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in G minor, BWV 535Download
    The brooding Montre combination gives way to a sparkling cadenza and a series of rapid echoing arpeggios echoed by the Swell (and an imaginary Positiv), then a driving buildup to the final cadence. The fugue starts with a charming subject that gets somewhat more stern as the fugue progresses. Another ripping cadenza and pedal point create a dazzling finish. One of the earlier Preludes and Fugues, this piece lies in the shadow of the great G minor Fantasy and Fugue, and hence is somewhat neglected. Uses the extended set. [7:38] HW1
    Franck, César: Chorale IIDownload
    Dedicated to Monsieur Auguste Durand, this is the second of the monumental Trois Chorals written near the end of Franck's life. Formally, it is a sort of passacaglia with interludes. [11:10] HW1
    Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532Download
    The prelude is in three parts, beginning with a D major scale in the pedal, proceeding to an Alla breve, and concluding with an Adagio which is actually a transition into the fugue, whose spirited subject alternates with arpeggios and block chords using as many as six voices. Uses the extended set. [12:15] HW1