Organ Symphony Follow-Up: Suggested Recordings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCZq33BrOo&t=104s

Paavo Järvi, Orchestre de Paris, BBC Proms 2013 (Live Recording)

Recordings at the BBC Proms rarely disappoint, and sure enough this is a phenomenal performance of the Organ Symphony.  Järvi shows an impressive depth of interpretation in this piece, leaning into a more subtle and restrained performance - brass are subdued until they are needed - which help to make the big moments all the more impactful.  The woodwinds are immaculate and the strings well-balanced, but the organ for all of its power fills the space a little too much, and the reverberations throughout the hall occasionally make moments muddy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivcpGPrdKd8

Herbert von Karajan, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

Unsurprisingly for Karajan, this performance boasts a lush string sound that often holds its own against an assertive brass section.  The performance leans more towards powerful than subtle, and the tempos tend to be on the slow side, leaning into the more Romantic elements of the piece.  The organ is overpowering at times, but the closing minutes are everything you could want.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPALFKhmKhg

Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

I post two Ormandy/Philadelphia recordings here partially for the subtle contrast between the two.  The beginning of the Allegro in this recording feels punchy and tight, which sometimes backfires in the handful of moments that the orchestra isn’t fully synchronized.  Ormandy goes for a very Romantic sound in the Adagio, but it’s highly effective. The brass are restrained in many places, but they come to the fore with all their power when need be.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0h5n36TVQBFWgxs88GlYSP

Euegene Ormandy again with Philadelphia

This is probably my favorite recording.  It incorporates much of the positive aspects of the other Ormandy but also takes full advantage of modern studio recording.  The sense of phrasing is extraordinary - the climaxes are powerful but they all feel placed, as part of the line preceding it.  The recording trades in some of the punchiness from the previous recording for greater precision, a welcome change. Throughout, there’s a really rich and full sound that makes for satisfying listening.