DVD Videos

This new DVD (with a free bonus CD containing specially recorded performances of some of the works) is a release by Priory of the BBC programmes that were recorded on six famous European Organs by Dame Gillian Weir in the late 1980s: [St Bavo, Haarlem; The Abbey Church, Ottobeuren; St Knud’s, Odense; Ulster Hall, Belfast; Hedvig Eleonora Kyrka, Stockholm; St Ouen, Rouen]. Running for over 150 minutes this unique visual collection of performances by one of the world’s most famous organists is not to be missed.

This DVD issue by Priory, the first since the original broadcast of the series, offers for many the first opportunity to hear the soundtrack in stereo. The programmes contain a glittering array of pictures and sound from these world famous organs: additionally, Dame Gillian talks about the pieces and the instruments. When first broadcast these programmes were watched by up to 2 million people.

The ‘musica viva’ series was founded in 1945 by Karl Amadeus Hartmann and has become one of the most significant forums for contemporary music world-wide. In January and February 2008, a 3 week festival took place in Munich, the first time that such an event had been held in the series. This DVD includes10 films by Peider A. Defilla, covering the most important concerts of the festival.

English Subtitles

2008 was the centenary of Messiaen’s birth, and this 2 DVD set of a selection of his organ music is a superb introduction for those new to his music and an essential purchase for all organ aficionados. Messiaen wrote in many genres, chamber, orchestral, piano solo, and enriched greatly the organ repertoire of the 20th century. Although Debussy and Ravel influenced his earliest works, orientalism and famously the songs of birds were life long influences and a source of fascination to him) Messiaen became a significant influence upon avant-garde composers such as Boulez and Stockhausen. You can sample Tanke’s approach to Messiaen, which is influenced by his study of Buddhist faith and philosophy, on YouTube (keywords: Tanke and Messiaen). The technology afforded by DVD allows the listener to view from several angles, including underneath the bench to see Messiaen’s ferociously mobile pedal parts at first feet, as it were.

Tanke plays the Marcussen organ in St Laurenskirk, Rotterdam.

Tanke has recorded the complete organ works of Messiaen for Brilliant Classics on CD, recently reissued in time for Messiaen’s centenary.

'This new set by Willem Tanke is most certainly Messiaenic heaven to me, and has placed the music far closer to my heart than any of the previous sets. This recent release is as close to perfect as I think I will find’ The Organ

AN EXCITING HISTORY OF THE UNIQUE INSTRUMENT

The organ is one of the oldest, most complex and most glorious musical instruments known to men. This four part series outlines the history of this magnifi cent instrument, ranging from the beauty of the sound to the wealth of music written for it, and encompassing not only the craftsmanship involved in building such a complicated (and often ornate) structure, but also the wonderful settings in which these instruments now reside.

VOLUME 4

Tracing the organ’s development, from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present day, this episode visits France and Switzerland. The impact of changes in society, tastes and musical styles, as well as technological advances, are examined and illustrated with music by Gherardeschi, Reger, Franck, Alain and Messiaen.

Roger Muraro’s highly-acclaimed CD of Messiaen’s ‘Vingt Regards’ is available both separately (465 334) and as part of his complete Messiaen cycle on 7 discs (461 907), but this 2-DVD set contains a brand-new performance filmed last summer, together with a bonus disc containing a valuable ‘documentary’ presented by Muraro and filmed at the composer’s home near Grenoble, and some short extra items, all of which help our understanding of Messiaen and his music. An unique document!

This first Volume of Fugatto's "Virtuoso Organ Music" features virtuosic organ music by Bach, Franck, Vierne, Dupré, Liszt, Messiaen and Alain, played by French organist Philippe Delacour. It was filmed and recorded on two great Organs in France: the Cavaillé-Coll of Notre-Dame in Metz and the Haerpfer-Aubertin of Chateau-Salins. Produced in 1998 and originally published in VHS format, this Video is now produced in DVD version.

Daniel Moult performs virtuosic twentieth-century music on the organ of Bridlington Priory.

The twentieth-century saw some of the most audacious works ever composed for the organ. In this film with accompanying CD, acclaimed British organist Daniel Moult performs some of the most exciting and virtuosic of these pieces. From Schmidt to Messiaen he leads us through a bold selection of French, Austrian, Dutch and Australian repertoire.

By presenting the art of the organ virtuoso in close-up detail and with full surround sound, this DVD makes this music both exhilarating and accessible. The organ in Bridlington Priory, UK (1889 Anneessens / 2006 Nicholson), with its great power and array of beautiful colours, is the perfect vehicle for such a programme.

DVD | PAL & NTSC DVD-10 | Region Free | 16:9 | Dolby Digital 4.0 Surround

Messiaen's breathtakingly intense opera on the life of St Francis of Assisi stars Rod Gilfry as the charismatic visionary, beguiled by the glory of creation, yet fearful of both its imperfections and its transience. Pierre Audi's thoroughly engaging production for The Netherlands Opera brings out the naïve imagery, the grandeur, and above all the vast tenderness of the resplendent score, revealed as a grandiose ritual with the meaning and purpose of life as its central theme. But the real drama of the work takes place in the orchestra. Elevated to stupendous heights by the sublimely inspired Ingo Metzmacher, The Hague Philharmonic and the Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera combine forces with a brilliant cast to produce the finest possible musical pilgrimage.

‘The orchestra, drilled to absolute perfection, played as if their lives depended on it, while the choral singing was superb in its intensity. The cast tellingly emphasised the physicality as well as the spirituality of Messiaen's vision. Heartthrob baritone Rod Gilfry played Francis as a charismatic visionary beguiled by the glory of creation, yet fearful of both its imperfections and its transience. The Angel, who teases, consoles and ultimately guides him was sensually sung by Mozart diva Heidi Grant-Murphy. A stupendous evening, and one of the great operatic achievements of recent years.’ The Guardian

Bonus material:

Illustrated synopsis & cast gallery.

Interviews: The Children

The Message

A Chamber Piece…Really