The art of transcription has been a part ofthe history of keyboard instruments sincethe Renaissance period, a time that saw thefirst publishing of sacred as well as secularvocal works. In the 19th century, however,the trend entered its golden age, thussatisfying the domestic music?makingappetite of the bourgeoisie across Europeand reflecting technological advances inmechanisms such as the organ. This releaseis dedicated towards this king ofinstruments, whose expansion into concertlikeproportions allowed the music of Handelto flourish in particular.The recording is based on a selection of theBaroque composer’s most famous works,arranged by some of the 19th century’sgreatest organ virtuosos. As well as W.T.Best, who gave about 100 recitals a year for40 years and who published two greatcollections – of which Handel’s Choruses,selected and arranged for the Organ isincluded here – there features transcriptionsby the likes of George C. Martin (organist ofSt Paul’s Cathedral), F.C. Woods, ThéodoreDubois (organist at the Madeleine in Paris)and Alexandre Guilmant (organist of Saint?Trinité in paris and a noted concertperformer). The two symphonies of Saul,Zadok the Priest and excerpts from theMessiah are just some of the workscontained on this engaging release.Performed by Massimo Gabba at theMascioni organ of the Church of SanGiovanni Evangelista in Alessandri (Italy),Romantic Organ Transcriptions details afascinating area of 19th?century musicmakingand exposes the predilection for allthings Baroque at that time. Gabba exploresthe full gamut of the instrument, revealingthe immense variety of timbres andcharacteristic grandeur that the organ cameto attain during the 1800s.

Massimo Gabba organ