Credits:

Wiener Philharmoniker

Description:

Recorded live, March 2019. A concert by Mariss Jansons and the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks with the virtuoso Yveta Apkarna as soloist! The program features Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3 with Organ and Poulenc's Organ Concerto, both of which feature the organ as the main instrument and are characterized by their flamboyant and magnificent sound. Jansons had previously recorded the powerful "With Organ" with the Oslo Philharmonic in 1994 (with Wayne Marshall as soloist), but this recording features the up-and-coming organist Yveta Apkarna as soloist, and is even more relaxed than the previous recording. The tempo is even more relaxed than in the previous recording, and the sound is magnificent and natural. The lively first movement, the deep silence of the second movement, the intense third movement, and the majestic finale all lead the listener to a moving conclusion. She has been organist of the Elbphilharmonie since 2016 and is highly regarded for her talent. She performed with Jansons in 2013 in Janacek's "Glagolitic Mass" and gave a wonderful performance. Apkarna's gorgeous playing can be fully appreciated in Poulenc's "Organ Concerto".Poulenc dares not to use wind instruments that "resemble the sound of an organ," but instead leaves the accompaniment to strings and percussion, thus bringing out the full sound of the organ. The entire piece is performed seamlessly, beginning with an opening theme reminiscent of Bach's, followed by a succession of various musical themes, and ending solemnly with a recollection of the opening theme in the final section. Here, Jansons makes the strings sing a lot while providing precise support for the organ. He conveys the wonder of the work as he brings the whole piece together. The timpani, which play an important role in both Saint-Saens and Poulenc, are played by Raymond Kurfuss, principal of the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks. He is a world-renowned timpanist who was appointed as the timpanist of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra when Abbado founded it. The beautiful sound produced by his refined musicality and perfect technique, which has nothing to do with the expression of mockery, and his decisive performance at the right moment, which is the most important part of the concert. His decisive blow at the right moment is unparalleled. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Symphonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsymphonie"~Adagio - Allegro moderato -
2.Symphonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsymphonie"~Poco adagio
3.Symphonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsymphonie"~Allegro moderato - Presto - Allegro moderato - Presto - Allegro moderato -
4.Symphonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsymphonie"~Maestoso - Allegro - Piu allegro - Molto allegro - Pesant
5.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Andante -
6.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Allegro giocoso -
7.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Andante Moderato -
8.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Tempo Allegro. Molto Agitato -
9.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Tres Calme. Lent -
10.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Tempo de l'Allegro initial -
11.Konzert fur Orgel, Streichorchester und Pauken in g-Moll, FP 93~Tempo Introduction. Largo