The New Goll-Organ of Marktkirche Hannover

Album Description

Experience the majestic sounds of the newly installed Goll-organ at the Marktkirche Hannover, masterfully showcased by organist Ulfert Smidt. This album, released on September 12, 2011, under Rondeau Production, is a testament to the organ's rich and diverse sonic capabilities, spanning a captivating 1 hour and 18 minutes.

Ulfert Smidt curates a collection of 18 tracks, featuring works by renowned composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Louis-Claude Daquin, César Franck, Max Reger, and Olivier Messiaen. The album opens with Bach's "Fuga sopra il Magnificat," setting the stage for a journey through various styles and periods of organ music.

The album's title track, "The New Goll-Organ of Marktkirche Hannover," highlights the instrument's versatility, with pieces ranging from the pastoral and serene to the grand and majestic. Smidt's virtuosic playing brings out the best in each composition, from the delicate "Pastorale (Pastorella) F-Dur BWV 590" to the powerful "Choralfantasie, Op. 52 No. 2: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme."

Notable pieces include Daquin's "Noël Suisse," Reger's "Stücke für Orgel, Op. 59: Benedictus," and Messiaen's "La Nativité du Seigneur (9 Meditationen)," each offering a unique perspective on the organ's expressive range. The album concludes with a lively "Sortie ou Offertoire," leaving the listener with a lasting impression of the Goll-organ's brilliance.

Whether you're an organ enthusiast or simply appreciate exquisite music, this album offers a compelling exploration of the Goll-organ's capabilities, performed by one of its most dedicated advocates, Ulfert Smidt.

September 12, 2011

2011 Rondeau Production GmbH

About Ulfert Smidt

Ulfert Smidt is a renowned German organist and church musician, celebrated for his profound musicality and technical mastery. Born in Bremen, Smidt's journey began at the age of 10 when he started receiving organ lessons. He honed his skills under the tutelage of Ulrich Bremsteller in Hanover, where he earned his A-Examination in 1985. His musical odyssey continued with a scholarship from the German Studienstiftung, leading him to Amsterdam to study with esteemed organists Piet Kee and Ewald Kooiman, culminating in a Concert-Examination in 1987. Smidt's repertoire spans a wide range of classical works, from Johann Sebastian Bach to Max Reger, and he has released several albums, including "Orgelwerke = Works For Organ" and "Messen für Frauenchor." Currently residing in Hanover, Smidt serves as the organist at the Marktkirche, where he continues to inspire audiences with his captivating performances. His contributions to the International Orgelkonzerte at the Marktkirche further underscore his dedication to the art of organ music.