Who needs a full orchestra when you have a magnificent pipe organ at your disposal?

The Eule Organ of Magdalen College, was built by the highly regarded Herman Eule Orgelbau of Bautzen in Germany. It’s a four manual, 45 stop instrument ranging from a 2′ Waldflöte to several 16′ stops in the pedals. It doesn’t have any 32′ stops which is surprising when you hear how much power it generates in the lower registers, although it is equipped with a Tuba which requires its own blower, owing to the higher wind pressure required to support such a big sound. The final chords of the Reinecke Sonata are guaranteed to plant a big smile on your face.

Even more surprising is this mighty organ’s gentler and serene side. I never imagined that On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, arranged for organ by Eric Fenby, would come across this well when played on a pipe organ. It also goes without saying that organist Alexander Pott’s judicious and methodical registration goes a long way in projecting the proper sonic atmosphere. As well, if you want to be impressed you have to hear Alexander Pott’s virtuosic playing and pedal work within certain parts of Funérailles by Franz Liszt.

One work which I had never heard before, the single-movement Organ Sonata in G major by Frederic Austin, completely floored me with its bold virtuosity, varied passages, and relentless power. Its triumphant conclusion allows you to feel the building’s cavernous interior.

If you’re an organist, or just a pipe organ music enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to hear this splendid new instrument fully and completely put on demonstration mode by Alexander Pott.