Gunnar Idenstam was the first, and to date only, Scandinavian organist to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Chartres, an international improvisation competition, in 1984.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording is the 1912/2002 Stahlhuth/Jann organ of Église Saint-Martin de Dudelange, Luxembourg, which combines German Romantic, French, and English organ building traditions.
Interpretation
The organist, Gunnar Idenstam, sometimes deviates from the original scores, such as improvising a 'fileuse' in Debussy's La Mer or placing the Boléro theme in a different register, to better suit the organ.
Performer Biography
Gunnar Idenstam, the concert organist, composer, and folk musician, is known for his virtuosity, improvisations, and unconventional approach, bridging French cathedral music, symphonic rock, and folk music.
Interpretation
Gunnar Idenstam, the organist, aims to make the organ sound like various orchestral sections or even a band of folk musicians, pushing the instrument beyond its usual genres.
Interpretation
Gunnar Idenstam's arrangements are designed for modern symphonic organs, particularly those in the French tradition, which feature specific solo stops like the Clarinette and loud Trompettes en chamade.
Interpretation
The organist, Gunnar Idenstam, spent years considering arranging Debussy's La Mer for organ, initially thinking it impossible until he used music notation software.
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