Companions: Contemporary Organ Music
A new album of ten contemporary organ works from nine composers representing six countries.
Carson Cooman presents a program of contemporary music for organ recorded on the remarkable post-romantic Thomas Gaida organ of the Pauluskirche in Ulm, Germany. The music varies widely in character and scope, from smaller character pieces and meditations to several dramatic, large-scale works. The final piece is the grand 15th organ symphony of English composer Bernard Heyes. Some like David Lasky’s ‘Peace Prayer No. 1’ have a special resonance in today’s world.
Track Listing
- Prismatic, Op. 24 (7:03)
- Companions (3:27)
- Three Short Fantasy Pieces - I. Daylight (3:40)
- Three Short Fantasy Pieces - II. Wartet auf... (2:57)
- Three Short Fantasy Pieces - III. Pluie d'orage sur Saint-Louis (3:11)
- Recitative, Op. 1290 (3:36)
- The Grave of Keats (5:02)
- Peace Prayer No. 1 (4:32)
- Sursum Corda (6:45)
- Voluntary in F major (2:14)
- Canzona (3:23)
- Organ Symphony No. 15 - I. Impressions of Australia (5:57)
- Organ Symphony No. 15 - II. Mind Music (5:25)
- Organ Symphony No. 15 - III. Quondam (5:43)
- Organ Symphony No. 15 - IV. Before the Close (6:00)
- Organ Symphony No. 15 - V. Fantasy Finito (9:22)
Carol Williams:
Carlotta Ferrari:
Thomas Åberg:
Carson Cooman:
Carlotta Ferrari:
David Lasky:
Tate Pumfrey:
Phil Lehenbauer:
Michael Calabris:
Bernard Heyes:
Reviews
“Recorded on the fine organ at the Pauluskirche, in Ulm, this disc presents a carefully chosen selection of contemporary organ music. Cooman’s command, both in terms of technique and musicality, is beyond criticism throughout. Recommended.
” —Colin Clarke
“Carson Cooman chose the freshly renovated post-romantic Link/Gaida organ of the Pauluskirche in Ulm with its fantastic tonal possibilities. The music selection does the rest in creating an extraordinary listening experience—from smaller character pieces and meditations to several dramatic, large-scale works that show the entire range of contemporary organ music. His technical as well as tonal choices are sublime beyond any doubt. These recordings are certainly reference recordings of the respective pieces—but above all a real treat!
” —SL
“Overwhelming, for several reasons. First of all, the instrument’s sound is simply inspiring… the experienced organist Cooman plays according to all the rules of the art of registration. Above all, however, the works themselves are what the CD title promises: accessible contemporary organ music by international contemporary composers. Top form. Music 5 stars: Sound 4½ stars.
” —Burkhard Schäfer
“Companions is a remarkably coherent recital. Contrast aplenty in a satisfying, well-recorded disc.
” —Michael Quinn
![19 September brings Gerard McChrystal & Richard Shaw's recording of Edward Cowie: Because They Have Songs! Listen to the first track today on #AppleMusicClassical and more: listn.fm/becausetheyhavesongs [in bio]](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/538972555_18288426868283342_5911419903410525110_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=ClaN-8cyw04Q7kNvwGT0WXG&_nc_oc=AdnTLHka7qEoS_F5mu0vhlC2j17dobkTq2kqt9h_FJ3fgZbsAMhj0KWyMSHYxP50nao&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ShCA5PyZyv0RyVnM9mq3VA&oh=00_AfYKWYztOtA6CclHgOyr1b_JX8oTJ1ZE7jN4JXI8CpGd-A&oe=68C10E3F)
