The new Fleiter organ of St Georg in Huthum, Emmerich, North Rhine
Psallite CD 60501
62'48"

Peter Planyavsky presents a programme of music by Ibert, Saint-Sans, Boely and Piern. The new organ by Fleiter is (to quote the notes) 'French-Symphonically oriented - a smaller version of a great organ - it features all the necessary ingredients, yet integrated into a more compact way.' The instrument of 2 manuals and pedal has a Grand Orgue of 12 stops (quite complete in itself), but a Rcit Expressif of 10 Stops significantly lacking both Trompette 8 and Voix Humaine 8. A strange decision for a French-symphonic style! The pedal of 8 stops involves much borrowing. My immediate impression of the sound was not only the closeness of the recording but also the newness of the instrument. The voicing errs towards the 'clinical side' and the Hautbois rather sticks-out rather than emerging from the fonds.

The Grand Orgue reeds are more 18th century than 19th and work rather well in the Boly phase at the moment and found the five works presented here tastefully played and well matched to the organ. Similarly the Trois Pices of Ibert provide an interesting opening to the disc just as the Trois Pices of Piern provide a satisfying conclusion. Planyavsky gives a good tour of the organ's many delightful colours. I particularly like the flutes. I found the Saint-Sans Improvisations much less interesting - they just don't go anywhere.

The booklet has texts in German and in English translation, a specification and photographs. There is some good music here but I'm not over the moon about the organ. GMS