SACDs - Widor

This is the second volume in cpo’s series of Charles-Marie Widor’s Organ Symphonies. Volume 2 is in every way a match for the high standards of the first. Gramophone said: “Solyom's superbly paced direction and Schmitt's sensitive interweaving with the orchestral textures gives a real sense of purpose and unity to this often complex score.”

Widor epitomizes the French organ music of the nineteenth century. He quickly made a name for himself as a composer, and his ten symphonies for solo organ are regarded even today as some of his greatest achievements. As with the first volume the symphonies are interpreted by Christian Schmitt, certainly the most distinguished German organist of the younger generation.

Prize winning organist Iveta Apkalna performs these works on the Kuhn organ in the Philharmonie Essen. She has established herself as a virtuoso and combines a deep sense of musicality and masterful technique with an unerring instinct for the effect of the music.

This is the start of a new series in which the German organist Christian Schmitt will perform the works of French composer Charles-Marie Widor.

“Vibracones del Alma” is the second recital album from the vibrant young clarinettist Maximiliano Martín.

Together with pianist Scott Mitchell he explores the diversity of European clarinet repertoire and presents a captivating selection of music from composers such as Yuste, McCabe and Romero.

Following on from his acclaimed debut album Fantasía, this programme further establishes Martín as a leading advocate and interpreter of Spanish clarinet music with works from Europe’s leading clarinet composers Antonio Romero y Andía and Miguel Yuste.

Liverpool-born composer John McCabe personally advised Martín with regard to his performance of Pieces for clarinet and piano for this recording, resulting in an insightful and authentic performance.

Charles-Marie Jean Albert Widor’s trademark virtuosity is evident in the Introduction and Rondo, Op. 72. Martín more than meets the demands of the great contrasts of beautifully lyrical phrases and technically complex bravura passages.

Martín won the Young Artists Platform Competition in 2002 and has since performed in the most important concert halls and international festivals establishing himself as one of the most talented and charismatic musicians of his generation.

Martín already has many fans as the popular Principal Clarinet for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and has built an enviable reputation as a soloist with acclaimed performances in his birthplace Tenerife and throughout Europe.

Scott Mitchell performs extensively as a chamber music pianist and accompanist. He has been awarded the Lisa Fuchsova Prize for outstanding chamber music pianist and the Eric Rice Memorial Prize for outstanding accompanist, both at the Royal Overseas League Music Competition in London.

“Vibracones del Alma” is a well-planned programme of some of the best European music for clarinet, played to perfection by Maximiliano Martín accompanied by Scott Mitchell on piano.