KEITH THOMPSON: Organ Fireworks

Keith Thompson

Organ Fireworks

© 2001 Eugene Dong, MD; Keith Thompson (656613472125)

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Patriotic Organ Fireworks for America.

tracks

1 Fanfare for the Common Man
2 The Star Spangled Banner
3 Sweet Sixteenths
4 Maple Leaf Rag
5 When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again
6 Pavane from the Rhythmic Suite
7 Rhumba
8 Roulade
9 Cantilena (Green Boughs)
10 Les Cloches
11 Nocturne (Night in Monterey)
12 Marche Grotesque
13 Washington Post March
14 Stars and Stripes Forever
15 Londonderry Air

notes

Keith Thompson played his first solo organ concert at the age of 11 before an audience of 1500. He has been a finalist in national and international organ competitions. Mr. Thompson is one of the few organists who can draw the listener in to the musical thrill of all the organ has to offer.

This concert was recorded live from the National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC, on its 106 rank, 4-manual Aeolian Skinner organ. The program had a decided nod to the patriotic since it was part of the Independence Day celebrations in the nation's capitol on July 3, 1994. In the wake of September 11, 2001, we pray that this American music will stir in the hearts of all peoples a renewed vigor in seeking peace, unity and freedom.

David Hegarty of San Francisco and New York and the primary organist for the Castro Theater in San Francisco, reviewed this CD as follows: "Your new CD arrived today, and it's extraordinary! Production quality is top notch, and that concert transferred very well to CD. Elmore's Rumba is especially terrific!"

Edward M. Stout, III well known organ curator for the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco and recently (April 2002) mentioned in the New York Times review of symphonic organs, wrote that Keith Thompson is a "musical treasure."

Sorry to report that because of royalty issues, this CD will not be available for digital downloads.

reviews

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  • eclectic program, well performed
    author: Roy

    An excellent example of "audience organ" rather than a program of pre-baroque music and contemporary cacaphony that might appeal only to some scholars, this CD is highly recommended. Never having heard Richard Purvis live, I really enjoyed the "Dubious Conceits" heard all together and suspect that we're hearing them pretty much as Mr. Purvis played them. Play this CD for friends who groan at the thought of listening to organ music. More, please, Dr. Thompson!

  • Outstanding and absolutely fun to lisen to!
    author: Msgr. Sebastian

    Keith Thompson's performances of the Washington Post March, When Johnny Come's Marching Home, and the powerfully moving Star Spangled Banner are superb. Any true organ enthusiast will rejoice at this wonderful recording (I could hardly resist my toe taping during the Maple Leaf Rag!). Get it for your own collection, or that of the organ lover in your life.

  • A very interesting program of unusual American Organ Literature
    author: Richard

    Great Program! Excellent playing. The Elmore Rhumba alone makes this disc worth having. The organ does not sound it's best, though. The recording accentuates bass and treble leaving a gap of the rich fundamental Diapason tone that makes an organ really sing. I recommend this disc.

  • Excellent
    author: Montie

    Fine performance with excellent playing of works both familiar and not.

  • Thanks for comment
    author: Eugene Dong

    Thank you for your comments on Keith's playing. In making judgments about what to include in the insert, we thought in this internet age, that fuller information about the organ itself would be and is available from the Church's website. We have also included some more information on www.echoesofheaven.com. Keith connects to his live audience by making comments on the music. The inserts were taken from his oral comments. As for the Organ Fireworks title, we couldn't think of one more appropriate for an American Fourth of July celebration.

  • Wow!!!
    author: Jeremy

    Wow!! The quality is excellent, and the performance is awesome! I am now Keith Thompson's biggest fan.

  • Playing fine - presentation could do with an upgrade
    author: Brian Childs

    Since this was recorded live the relative absence of performance mistakes is astounding: shame about the individual with the hacking cough. Would love to hear a performance without him!Given the long running -now 10 volumes - organ fireworks series of Christopher Herrick on Hyperion label a different title might have been better.Insert booklet might have usefully provided more detail on the Organ and less on the pieces since more detail could have been provided about one organ in the available space than was possible for the numerous pieces of music and their composers. What was said will be unlikely to have enlarged the knowledge of those familiar with the pieces or provided much to those who were not. In sum fine playing which could have been better packaged.

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