Marie Joseph Erb: Organ Works, Volume One
The enormously prolific Marie Joseph Erb (1858–1944) has somehow escaped the attention of posterity, although the quality of his music would seem to be on a par with contemporary organist-composers whose works are far better known. Erb’s long life – he heard Berlioz conduct in 1863 and was still composing in 1944 – was focused on Strasbourg, where he was active as pianist, organist and professor, though he had studied in Paris, with Fauré, Gigout, Saint-Saëns and Widor, and later with Liszt in Weimar. This first album devoted to his organ music in almost 30 years sandwiches four lyrical chamber works between two towering sonatas.
Jan Lehtola, organ of St Paul’s Church, Helsinki
Paula Malmivaara, cor anglais (4–6, 8–10)
Marko Ylönen, cello (7)
Anna-Leena Haikola, violin (11)
Listen To This Recording:
- I O Sanctissima
- II Flos de Radice Jesse
- III Magnificat
- I Prèlude (Con moto)
- II Larghetto (Molto tranquillo)
- III Finale (Allegro vivace)
- Méditation for organ and cello, Op. 88
- I Allegretto amabile
- II Grave pastorale
- III Finale
- Prière sur le motif du ‘Pater’
- I Veni creator spiritus
- II Verbum supernum
- III Pange lingua (Tantum ergo)
Sonata Mater Salvatoris, Op. 82 (1912)
1ère Sonatine for organ and cor anglais (1940)
Méditation for organ and cello, Op. 88 (1911)*
Prière sur le motif du ‘Pater’ (‘Gib’ uns heute unser täglich Brot’) for organ and violin, Op. 71 (1906)
3ème Sonate Veni Creator (1927)
* FIRST RECORDINGS
brisson :
une très belle découverte !
Fanfare Magazine :
‘Toccata Music specializes in uncovering neglected composers and bringing their music to light again. […]this case it has hit a first-rate ore for minting a golden organ CD. […]
The playing of organist Jan Lehtola and the three instrumentalists, especially English hornist Paula Malmivaara, is simply superb, and they are captured in beautifully deep, resonant, yet clear sound. The organ of St. Paul’s Church in Helsinki is obviously a fine instrument; […]
William Melton’s detailed booklet notes are excellent; lengthy artist bios also are provided. Unlike past years, 2024 has seen for me a dearth of obvious Want List candidates, but this disc is at least an outside contender, especially for the two English horn pieces. This is the Toccata label at its formidable best; strongly recommended, and looking forward eagerly to more releases in this series.’
—James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine, February 2024