Alkan: Organ Music

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Charles-Valentin Alkan's "Organ Music," a remarkable collection of classical piano compositions released in 2011 under the Symposium label. This album showcases Alkan's virtuosity and deep musical insight, featuring a blend of grand preludes, petits preludes, and pieces in a religious style, all masterfully transcribed for the organ.

Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and pianist of the Romantic era, was a child prodigy who entered the Paris Conservatory at the tender age of seven. His brilliance and technical prowess are evident in each track of this album, which spans a total of 71 minutes. The album includes selections from his Op. 66 and Op. 72, as well as transcriptions of Handel's Messiah, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience.

From the soothing "Prelude No. 1 in F Major" to the intense "Prelude No. 11 in F-Sharp Minor," and the varied tempos of the "Petits preludes sur les 8 gammes du plain-chant," this album is a testament to Alkan's compositional skill and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. The pieces in the style of religious music, such as "No. 1 in C Major" and "No. 10 in D Minor," add a spiritual dimension to the collection.

Whether you are a longtime admirer of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Alkan: Organ Music" offers a profound and rewarding journey through the works of one of history's most talented composers. This album is a celebration of Alkan's enduring legacy and a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of classical piano music.