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Italian Organ Masters

Major master organist Sergio de Pieri takes us through an enjoyable and authoritative account of Italian minor masters.

The organ of the Toorak Uniting Church, Melbourne, is heard here for the first time on record. It was built in 1978-9 by Peter Collins of Redbourn, St Albans, England. The interment is divided on either side of the south window: the pedal organ (which boasts a 32 foot reed stop) is behind the led hand case, while the swell is at the base and great at the top of the right hand case (seen in the photograph). There are two manuals, 34 stops, 46 ranks, and mechanical action. The casework, made from Brazilian cedar, is embellished with pipe shades carved in sugar pine and designed by English artist John Brennan.

Artist

Sergio de Pieri

Born in Treviso, Italy, well-known organist Sergio de Pieri emigrated to Australia in the 1960s and was chiefly responsible for reviving local interest in the organ and its true repertoire. He was organist at the Basilica of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, Chief Study Organ Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and still regularly performs throughout Australia, Europe, USA and Canada.


Press quotes

“The pieces to give these reviewers most pleasure were a set of anonymous 16th century dances which showed fine use of contrasting stops, the imitative Italian bagpipe sound of Dipole's Pastorale and the only 18th century piece (also the longest ), the Toccata on Deo Gratias by Martini. This Toccata is vigorously played and contains an especially attractive middle 'largo' section.”

— AB / WAL,

“... a most enjoyable and authoritative account by a master, Sergio de Pieri ... we are treated to a wide range of emotional contrasts – from happy 16th century dances, through reflective canzonas to the more austere ricercari, via a chirpy Zipoli pastorale and the ever-popular Aria detto Balletto of Frescobaldi. This recording can be thoroughly recommended as an excellent introduction to early Italian organ music.”

— Paul Singleton, Victorian Organ Journal

Track Listing

  1. Fantasia del 6º tono Giovanni Gabrieli 2:56
  2. Ricercare del 10º tono Giovanni Gabrieli 4:10
  3. Ocelino, bel ocelino / Le forze d'hercole / Fusi pavana piana / Saltarello del Re (Anonymous) 3:23
  4. Toccata All'Elevazione Domenico Zipoli 4:20
  5. Hymnus - Christe Redemptor omnium Girolamo Cavazzoni 2:53
  6. Toccata del x tono Andrea Gabrieli
  7. Pastorale Domenico Zipoli 3:41
  8. Area detto Balletto Girolamo Frescobaldi 4:40
  9. Canzon Francese deta Martin Menoit Andrea Gabrieli 3:31
  10. Toccata per il "Deo Gratias" Largo, Toccata in C Giovanni Battista Martini 8:27

Performers

Where to buy

Italian Organ Masters is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through Apple Music.

Italian Organ Masters is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$20.00 AUD
Total playing time
38 minutes 1 seconds
Release date
1982
Copyright
© 1982 Move Records
Phonogram
℗ 1982 Move Records
Category
Classical
Catalogue number
MD 3042
Alternate catalogue number
MD3042
Barcode
EAN 9314574304220