Italian Organ Masters
Major master organist Sergio de Pieri takes us through an enjoyable and authoritative account of Italian minor masters.
Domenico Zipoli composer
Girolamo Cavazzoni composer
Andrea Gabrieli composer
Girolamo Frescobaldi composer
Giovanni Battista Martini composer
The organ of the Toorak Uniting Church, Melbourne, is heard here for the first time on record. It was built in 1978-9 by Peter Collins of Redbourn, St Albans, England. The interment is divided on either side of the south window: the pedal organ (which boasts a 32 foot reed stop) is behind the led hand case, while the swell is at the base and great at the top of the right hand case (seen in the photograph). There are two manuals, 34 stops, 46 ranks, and mechanical action. The casework, made from Brazilian cedar, is embellished with pipe shades carved in sugar pine and designed by English artist John Brennan.
Press quotes
“The pieces to give these reviewers most pleasure were a set of anonymous 16th century dances which showed fine use of contrasting stops, the imitative Italian bagpipe sound of Dipole's Pastorale and the only 18th century piece (also the longest ), the Toccata on Deo Gratias by Martini. This Toccata is vigorously played and contains an especially attractive middle 'largo' section.”
— AB / WAL,
“... a most enjoyable and authoritative account by a master, Sergio de Pieri ... we are treated to a wide range of emotional contrasts – from happy 16th century dances, through reflective canzonas to the more austere ricercari, via a chirpy Zipoli pastorale and the ever-popular Aria detto Balletto of Frescobaldi. This recording can be thoroughly recommended as an excellent introduction to early Italian organ music.”
— Paul Singleton, Victorian Organ Journal
Artist

Sergio de Pieri
Born in Treviso, Italy, well-known organist Sergio de Pieri emigrated to Australia in the 1960s and was chiefly responsible for reviving local interest in the organ and its true repertoire. He was organist at the Basilica of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, Chief Study Organ Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and still regularly performs throughout Australia, Europe, USA and Canada.
Track Listing
- Fantasia del 6º tono Giovanni Gabrieli 2:56
- Ricercare del 10º tono Giovanni Gabrieli 4:10
- Ocelino, bel ocelino / Le forze d'hercole / Fusi pavana piana / Saltarello del Re (Anonymous) 3:23
- Toccata All'Elevazione Domenico Zipoli 4:20
- Hymnus - Christe Redemptor omnium Girolamo Cavazzoni 2:53
- Toccata del x tono Andrea Gabrieli
- Pastorale Domenico Zipoli 3:41
- Area detto Balletto Girolamo Frescobaldi 4:40
- Canzon Francese deta Martin Menoit Andrea Gabrieli 3:31
- Toccata per il "Deo Gratias" Largo, Toccata in C Giovanni Battista Martini 8:27
Performers
Composers
Where to listen
Italian Organ Masters is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Italian Organ Masters is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MD 3042
- List price
- $20.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 38 minutes 1 seconds
- Release date
- 1982
- Musical work
copyright - © 1982 Move Records
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 1982 Move Records
- Category
- Classical
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574304220
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