Iveta Apkalna, the renowned Latvian organist, presents her captivating album "Prima Volta," released on March 16, 2012, under the Ifo Classics label. This impressive collection showcases Apkalna's virtuosity and versatility, spanning a little over an hour and sixteen minutes of exquisite organ music.
The album opens with Vier Skizzen für den Pedalflügel, Op. 58 by Max Reger, a set of four pieces that demonstrate Apkalna's technical prowess and interpretive depth. She then transitions into a delightful arrangement of Mozart's Rondo in D Major, K. 382, followed by a charming Phantasy on Mozart's Turkish March.
Apkalna's rendition of Bach's Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564, is a standout performance, showcasing her ability to navigate the complexities of Bach's composition with ease. She also offers a unique take on Bach's themes with her original composition, "Bach'orama - Orgelfantasie über Themen von Johann Sebastian Bach."
The album concludes with a piece by Apkalna herself, "Sonata eroica, Op. 94," and an arrangement of a piece from Tchaikovsky's 10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 12. Throughout "Prima Volta," Iveta Apkalna's masterful playing and thoughtful programming make for an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Vinylscout