The title "Metal Angel" refers to both the metal genre of rock music and to the organ itself, with its metal pipes and angel-like shape.
Performer Biography
Gunnar Idenstam was the first and, to date, only musician from northern Europe to win the prestigious international improvisation competition, the 'Grand Prix de Chartres', in 1984.
Performer Biography
Gunnar Idenstam was awarded the 'Interpreter of the Year' prize by the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm in 2012, presented by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden.
Recording & Production
The Monaco Cathedral organ has a replay system that allows organists to listen to their own playing from the nave, which is useful for recording.
Composition History
Gunnar Idenstam's "Metal Angel" is a collection of eighteen pieces and one Symphonic Sonata for large modern symphonic organ, with fifteen pieces recorded on this album.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Gunnar Idenstam, the composer, aims to bridge the French cathedral tradition, symphonic rock, and Swedish folk music in his compositions.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording is in Monaco Cathedral, built by the Belgian factory Thomas, and features a spectacular horizontal Chamade trumpet section.
