Franz Schmidt, born in Pressburg (today's Bratislava), was a phenomenal pianist and was introduced to Bach's works by his mother, an excellent pianist herself.
Instruments
The Behmann organ in St. Martin Dornbirn, built in 1927/28, is a 'monumental organ' with 72 stops, designed with influences from Albert Schweitzer's organ reform for a clear and transparent sound.
Composer's Artistic Vision
From an early age, Franz Schmidt considered the organ to be 'the most magnificent and perfect revelation of music'.
Composer Biography
Franz Schmidt won a cello position in the Hofoper Orchestra (now the Vienna State Opera Orchestra) in 1896 and was later accepted into the exclusive Vienna Philharmonic.
Historical Context
Franz Schmidt's hometown of Pressburg became Bratislava and part of Czechoslovakia after World War I, leading him to refuse to set foot in his hometown again due to this 'rupture'.
Compositional Technique
Schmidt's compositional method, influenced by organ mixtures, frequently uses chord layers and systematic modulations to create and resolve dissonances, especially in his Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major and Toccata in C major.
Performer Biography
Andreas Jetter, the organist on this recording, has held significant positions including cathedral director of music at Chur Cathedral and minster cantor at Radolfzell, and has recorded complete piano concertos by Rachmaninoff.
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Die Orgel von St. Martin zu Kaufbeuren
Schmidt, F.: Organ Music, Vol. 3 - Phantasie Und Fuge / Das Buch Mit Sieben Siegeln / Toccata Und Fuge in A Major
Franz Schmidt: Organ Works
Marcel Dupré - Louis Vierne
Schmidt: Works for Organ, Vol. 4
Schmidt, F.: Organ Music (Complete), Vol. 2 - Kleine Praludien Und Fugen / Der Heiland Ist Erstanden / Haydns Gott Erhalte
DUPRE: Works for Organ, Vol. 8
Olsson: Credo Symphoniacum - Pastorale - Prelude and Fugue in C-Sharp Minor - Cantilena
Liszt: Variations On the Motif "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen" / Ave Maria / Prelude and Fugue
