Скачать с ютуб The Riverside Church NYC | Elgar - Organ Sonata in G Major, Op. 28 - I. Allegro maestoso в хорошем качестве

The Riverside Church NYC | Elgar - Organ Sonata in G Major, Op. 28 - I. Allegro maestoso

Edward Elgar - I. Allegro maestoso from Organ Sonata in G Major, Op. 28 Recorded at The Riverside Church, NYC In 1895, at the age of 38, Edward Elgar was commissioned to write an organ work to welcome a delegation of visiting American organists at Worcester Cathedral. The resulting Sonata in G, Op. 28 offers a striking portrait of Elgar’s intimate understanding of the organ—an understanding rooted in his early years growing up in Worcestershire. As Elgar later recalled, “my first music was learnt in the (Worcester) Cathedral ... from books borrowed from the music library, when I was eight, nine or ten.” In this sonata, the symphonist within Elgar already reveals himself. Expansive tuttis, lush string-like accompaniments, and expressive solo lines emerge with an orchestral sensibility, making full use of the organ’s diverse tonal palette. Composed well before his symphonies, the work foreshadows Elgar’s mature orchestral language—steeped in counterpoint and finely wrought voice leading, both of which suit the organ’s capabilities beautifully. The hallmarks of Elgar’s musical personality are vividly present: noble, processional grandeur, lyrical tenderness, and flashes of playful wit—all traits that would come to define his most celebrated works. The organ of Riverside Church, where this performance was recorded, is one of the most significant instruments representing the American Symphonic Organ tradition, pioneered by the Skinner and later Aeolian-Skinner companies. Originally designed in 1948 by Virgil Fox and expanded over three decades by Frederick Swann and curator Anthony Bufano, the instrument now boasts 149 stops, 207 ranks, and over 12,000 pipes spread across ten divisions in both the chancel and gallery. The console, maintained with extraordinary care by current curator Peter Batchelder, stands as a living testament to the storied lineage of organists who have shaped Riverside’s legacy. To the performer, the organ’s defining characteristics lie in its lush, shimmering string tone—capable of near-fortissimo intensity while remaining under expression—and its awe-inspiring full organ: a roaring, radiant blend of reeds, upperwork, and mixtures that is both rich and thrilling. Having had the privilege to perform at Riverside multiple times over the past two years, this recording serves as both a musical and personal keepsake of an extraordinary instrument and space in the City of New York. Special thanks to Interim Director of Music Alan Montgomery, Peter Batchelder, and the Riverside Church. Driven by a passion to bring the beauty and grandeur of organ music to wider audiences, Eddie Zheng is a rising concert organist who is committed to presenting the masterworks of the organ repertoire coupled with new, innovative commissions. For more information visit https://www.eddiezheng.com/