@Silverdaddy101 - composers are often the worst judge of how their music should be played. Some of Messiaen's recordings of his own music are pretty gruesome. The tempo here is rushed and lumpy: the opening "Lu-men Chri-sti" should be much more stately and definite. The "Kyrie Eleison" at about 3:40 should also not be that staccato. It's a pretty dreadful performance, to be honest.
I wish I spoke the language which might have helped me to understand his interpretation. The fact that an organ plays heavy and does not have assists in the coupling mechanism doesn't explain many of his tempo and articulation choices. A beautiful instrument and bravo to the assistants, too!
Ce n'est pas le même homme qui a enregistré la Toccata de Widor! comme quoi on peut jouer comme il le fait avec très peu de fausse notes (dans une pièce bien plus difficile que la toccata!). Ici c'est un homme maître de lui-même et efficace! Très bel orgue que celui d'Utrecht, j'en garde un magnifique souvenir sur place!
I live in the Netherlands, know and play the organs in this country (also Asma's home court organs) regularly. Domkerk Utrecht is quite an organ to play and I think Asma played with balls. Check out his video playing the Toccata in F in the Oude Kerk. Then visit the Oude Kerk. The charming team of organists there will gladly let you try to play the big organ with 3 manuals coupled (as some of the resident organists do).
Asma is better than his reputation, so much's for sure.
Best recording of this is James Lancelot at Durham Cathedral!
Warringtonian58 1 year ago
@Warringtonian58 Seconded!
I used to be chorister at Durham, and have played the durham organ on a number of occasions. The Durham recording is definitely the best!
contraposaune 6 months ago
I studied with Langlais.
This piece is played as it was intended.
Bravo
Silverdaddy101 2 years ago
@Silverdaddy101 - composers are often the worst judge of how their music should be played. Some of Messiaen's recordings of his own music are pretty gruesome. The tempo here is rushed and lumpy: the opening "Lu-men Chri-sti" should be much more stately and definite. The "Kyrie Eleison" at about 3:40 should also not be that staccato. It's a pretty dreadful performance, to be honest.
EccentricRichard 1 year ago
I wish I spoke the language which might have helped me to understand his interpretation. The fact that an organ plays heavy and does not have assists in the coupling mechanism doesn't explain many of his tempo and articulation choices. A beautiful instrument and bravo to the assistants, too!
briandufresne 2 years ago
Apart from the 'hit it with a fish' hammer blows, I quite liked this.
ihadaralf 3 years ago
@ihadaralf :)
voixhumaine 1 year ago
Ce n'est pas le même homme qui a enregistré la Toccata de Widor! comme quoi on peut jouer comme il le fait avec très peu de fausse notes (dans une pièce bien plus difficile que la toccata!). Ici c'est un homme maître de lui-même et efficace! Très bel orgue que celui d'Utrecht, j'en garde un magnifique souvenir sur place!
thomasdeserranno 3 years ago
Solo langlais podria pronunciar sobre la interpretación de la pieza, para mi es magnifica y en un órgano aleman reformado.
ertaulaz 3 years ago
neee!! schlechte orgel für so ein Stück!!!
gerdi911 3 years ago
Richtig!
Janosch103 3 years ago
das stimmt, aber Cavaillé-Coll soll von ihr begeistert gewesen sein....wenn das wahr ist, weiß ich nicht warum
bachprofessore 3 years ago
Da hast du Recht, die Zungen haben einfach zu wenig Power für französische Orgelmusik!
polsterj 2 years ago
I live in the Netherlands, know and play the organs in this country (also Asma's home court organs) regularly. Domkerk Utrecht is quite an organ to play and I think Asma played with balls. Check out his video playing the Toccata in F in the Oude Kerk. Then visit the Oude Kerk. The charming team of organists there will gladly let you try to play the big organ with 3 manuals coupled (as some of the resident organists do).
Asma is better than his reputation, so much's for sure.
Adaham 4 years ago 3
Where can I find that vid you mention? I'm interested :)
GJmusique 3 years ago
The First an the following parts ("Lumen christi") are played by far too fast...
the rest is OK, not very good but acceptable.
I think the couplers work very hard a t this organ...Asma is more fighting with the instrumwent than playing it.
m1riccabona 4 years ago
It is played on a though organ. I know how heavy this organ plays... so, try it on the same organ, and come bach.
This organs is not pneumatic,or electric. this is a REAL organ. without barkers.....
paranormaalutrecht 4 years ago 2
you are right and I think it is a wonderful organ!
greetings
schneckenturm 3 years ago
@m1riccabona
That was Asma, he loved to fight these heavy playing organs an poured his inspiration from it
janwillemdocter 3 months ago
In fact tribuswinkl
jmeister321684 4 years ago
i think you shouldn't play it so fast or..?
tribuswinkl 4 years ago