László Fassang: organ spectacular in Budapest

By Catherine Ennis, 26 May 2016

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Reviewed at Müpa: Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Budapest on 21 May 2016

Sweelinck, Chromatic Fantasia

Buxtehude, Toccata in D minor, BuxWV 155

Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565

Franck, Prélude, Fugue and Variation, Op.18

Vierne, Symphony no.2: Scherzo

Liszt, Légende no. 2 "Saint François de Paule marchant sur les flots", S 175

Alain, Litanies

Messiaen, Joie et Clarte des Corps Glorieux

Unknown, Improvisation

László Fassang, Organ

Pál Mácsai, Presenter

Intangible cosmos: Eötvös' Multiversum

Matthew Rye, 7th February

Composer-conductor Peter Eötvös’ attempt to portray the concept of parallel universes in music remained strangely earthbound in its UK premiere.

***11

Ein Strauss Musik von Brahms bis Kodály bei der Festival Academy Budapest

Rolf Kyburz, 10th June

Bei den Metamorphosen waren die leisen Stellen total verinnerlicht, und in den intensiven Partien schien das Klangbild demjenigen der vollen Besetzung in nichts nachzustehen.

***11

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

Nicholas McGegan brings delicacy and elegance to Mendelssohn

Erica Miner, 18th April

The Seattle Symphony offers an enchanting evening immersed in the joy and brilliance of both the young and the mature genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

****1

Picture postcard Spain from the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia

Phil Parker, 17th April

Vibrant, colourful music is played with every last ounce of enthusiasm as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia rounds off its UK tour at Sheffield City Hall.

****1

Alexandre Kantorow in recital: a pianophile’s dream

Sam Jacobson, 16th April

A daring mix of rarities and late masterpieces at Severance Music Center confirms Alexandre Kantorow as a pianist of both staggering technique and uncommon depth.

*****

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Catherine Ennis

Catherine Ennis was Director of Music at the City of London church of St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall. Her career as recitalist and recording artist took her to many international venues, and she taught or examined at three major London Music conservatoires. Her energy and enthusiasm helped create four major new London organs. In 1994 she founded the London Organ Concerts Guide, now an indispensible companion to London's organ music scene. She was Past President of the Royal College of Organists, and Past President of the Incorporated Association of Organists.