Gillian Weir, the internationally-acclaimed organist, introduces and plays six of Europe's finest instruments. The first programme features the world-famous organ of St Bavo, Haarlem, in the Netherlands. 1. Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 2. Variations on Mein junges Leben hat ein End 3. Fugue in Eb major BWV 552(b)
The second programme is set amid the Rococo splendour of Ottobeuren Abbey in Bavaria which possesses a pair of 18th-century instruments by a local builder, Riepp. Gillian Weir demonstrates the larger of the two and is joined by Huw Tregelles Williams in a duet for two organs. 1. Noël in D minor 2. Sonata for two organs, with Huw Tregelles Williams 3. Toccata Duodecima 4. Piece in C major for a Clock Organ 5. First movement of Sonata No. 4 in D major 6. Extracts from Messe pour les Couvents
The organ builders of Denmark are among the world's finest. Gillian Weir visits Odense, home of Hans Christian Andersen, and plays the Manussen organ at the Cathedral Church of St Knud. 1. Prelude, Fugue and Chaconne in C major 2. "Echo" Fantaisie in Eb major 3. Prelude and Fugue on B.A.C.H.
Gillian Weir, the internationally acclaimed organist, introduces and plays six of Europe's finest instruments. The fourth programme in the series features the large Victorian concert organ built by William Hill for the Ulster Hall, Belfast, recently enlarged and refurbished. 1. Toccata in F major, from Symphony 5 2. First movement of Concerto No. 4 in F major 3. Ride of the Valkyries 4. Variations on America
Gillian Weir, the internationally acclaimed organist, introduces and plays six of Europe's finest instruments. In today's programme the splendid new organ at the Church of Hedwig Eleanora, Stockholm can be heard in music by Dupre, Mulet and Vierne. 1. Moto ostinato, from Sunday Music 2. Naïades, from Piéces de Fantaisie 3. Tu es Petra, from Esquisses Byzantines 4. Variations sur un Noël
Gillian Weir, the internationally-acclaimed organist, introduces and plays six of Europe's finest instruments. The last programme goes to the Gothic grandeur of St Ouen, Rouen, which contains the last organ to be made by the celebrated French builder Aristide Cavaille-Coll. With music by two of the greatest French masters, Cesar Franck and Olivier Messiaen. 1. Dieu parmi nous, from La Nativité du Seigneur 2. Elfes from 12 Piéces pour Orgue Op. 7 3. Choral 3 in A minor