Dr. Arcus brings forth the best qualities of each instrument as well, and playfully interprets oft-recited pieces to give them newness and to emphasize the genius of their composers.

I have innumerable organ recordings, including most of the best recitalists of the twentieth century, but this is truly the best.


A good CD, but could be better.   November 13, 2002
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

I felt that the pieces played on the Flentrop organ were really nice, a testament to that famous Dutch organbuilder, but the pieces played on the Aeolian organ did not live up to my expectations. I think it might have been a bad placement of the microphones or the wrong type. It was an interesting contrast between the two organs but I felt that the Aeolian was not up to the challenge. I also did not like the final piece, the Toccata by Widor. This piece is played frequently and as such many organ lovers here it many, many times. Consequently, I think I have become an expert as to which recordings are good and which are bad. The Flentrop is a large organ but was not constructed with French Romantic music in mind and so really sounds out of place, especially in the pedal department. With out any 32' stops and manual stop action, as well as not being voiced in the French style, it is kind of hard to get the correct effect. A good CD, but could be better.


Outstanding   September 9, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is an outstanding CD of the two large organs of Duke Chapel. The Aeolian organ is very orchestral while the Flentrop organ is modeled after typical Dutch organs. I especially enjoyed the first three selections. The Grand Choeur is very well performed, and so is the Sinfonia to Cantata 29. However, there are times when it seems that the organ is a bit too powerful. I also enjoyed the performer's arrangement of "In thee is Gladness". I would recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys listening to organ music or anyone who visits the chapel in person but does not get the opportunity to hear the organs in person!