This record is one of the most interesting of E. Power Biggs' many compelling recordings. He presents several organs from the Iberian peninsula in all their quirky glory. The music demonstrates the various organ's unique potentials, from ferocious to dainty, quite well, and no doubt was chosen for that reason. It is delightful and sometimes fun. It was released in 1957, in the issue I own, and the only reissue, as far as I can tell, was in Australia on the Coronet LP. Discogs gives no date for that.
Since Biggs is one of my favorite musicians, I find it shocking that so little was ever available on CD, which is by now , I realize, a dying format. Some of Bach's most popular pieces came out, but Biggs recorded prolifically and and the oeuvre is meagerly represented on CD. His Buxtehude at Lüneberg: The Glory of the Baroque Organ seems never to have made it, and it might well be titled, "The Glory of E. Power Biggs Playing Baroque Organ."
I'll stop preaching. But do download and enjoy these neglected and delightful gems:
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/d1j5srm6hn9kv/E._Power_Biggs_Organs_of_Spain_and_Portugal
Thanks for the Biggs. I keep hoping that Sony will produce a giant Biggs Box as they have done for so many others from their back catalog, but so far nothing.
ReplyDeleteA big box would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias por compartir este bello album, saludos.
ReplyDelete