William Walton - Orb and Sceptre (transcr. William McKie)

Recorded April 30, 2021
Clara Gerdes Bartz, organ
on the 1928 Aeolian-Skinner organ in Woolsey Hall, Yale University

[Orlando]

Wonderful playing of a magnificent coronation march; not only solemn, but also elegant and sensitive.

[lexicon]

Wow! This is one of the most beautiful organ renditions of the "Orb and Scepter" I have ever heard. Bravo!

[simonmurphy]

Absolutely stunning. What an amazing performance and such command of the instrument. All without the music! Well done 👏

[tmsenzig]

The best performance of Orb and Scepter on YouTube! Bravo!

[adrianschemistrylaboratory]

I remember getting the chance when I was a young inexperienced man to play that magnificent organ - I went ffff until I discovered the multiverse of strings section - just bliss ❤

[bobmartin]

You are a very talented musical person Looking forward for other works.

[jmdujardin]

je vous ai quitté il y a quelques minutes dans des enregistrements de JS Bach, je vous retrouve ici dans un genre musical très différent, que vous servez à merveille. Merci beaucoup !

[iwasglad]

Simply wonderful! Sir William's transcription is most definitely not for the faint-hearted! It's tricky, to say the least. I think that's why so many organists play it far too fast - to exhibit their dexterity. We've all heard the infamous Wdor Toccata ruined by break-neck performances! Clara's pace here is perfect. Stately enough so that ALL the complex writing and harmonies are to the fore. Thank you SO much. Having studied a great deal about "Sweet Sir William" (Princess Margaret!) I feel sure THIS is a performance of which he'd approve!!

[photou]

I'm slowly working my way along your repertoire, this is wonderful...can't wait for the Messiaen!

[jerrymartin]

Astonishing!! Thank you so much for sharing these inspirational performances! Stunning musicianship and virtuosity. The bar is 😊

[Ceremonial]

Beautiful, cannot wait to hear it at the coronation 😊

[OttobeurenKaiser]

Clara, you are absolutely amazing. It's rare to find a person who embodies the music itself, but it seems like the Woolsey organ is an extension of your hands and the perfect vehicle to communicate such profound music. And I always admire extraordinary memory such as yours - I think being off the score gives one much more freedom in interpretation, and it seems like you've successfully mastered that aspect as well. 🙂 I subscribed!!

[Wanamaker]

It’s beautifully played, but that room (though gorgeous) causes everything to run together. Wall to wall carpet would solve this problem and cut down on the noise caused by the audience. Also, the seats need to be plushly upolstered.