STEPHEN KETTERER

• An Evening at Edgewood / Stephen Ketterer

CRITIC'S CHOICE

Ralph Blakely, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, JAN/FEB 2006

"...the performances here explore so sensitively every facet of the music's charms and power...[The] recording is of audiophile standard...the bass purrs and roars, the sweetness and delicacy of the flute stops...is breathtaking, and hearing the Beckerath at full bore is a visceral experience. This is a must not only for organ aficionados but for all music lovers."

GRAMOPHONE, DECEMBER 2004

"Throughout, Ketterer plays with energy, technical competence, control and musicality. He is highly successful in his stated desire to '[provide] the listener with some sense of the joy I derive from this glorious instrument' "

THE AMERICAN ORGANIST, JUNE 2005

Stephen Ketterer studied piano as a youth, and after hearing local tracker organ performances, began a long love affair with the instrument. He subsequently began study with Norman Andre, the organist at his church. When the church’s organ began to age, a committee of interested parties was formed to see to its restoration or eventual replacement. Ketterer took a particular interest in this pursuit, and through his involvement developed a great knowledge of organ builders, and the sounds they create through their individual designs. After years of study and performance, he has committed to disc this compelling recital featuring his von Beckerath which was commissioned from builders in Hamburg. Recorded in the spacious Edgewood Music Hall, this program displays Ketterer's skill at the console as well as the magnificent sound of this instrument.

This is one of relatively few commercially available digital recordings of a von Beckerath organ in the United States. 

FELIX MENDELSSOHN
Sonata No.2 in C minor

JOHANN LUDWIG KREBS
Fantasia sopra Warum sollt ich mich denn gramen
Ach Herr mich armen Sunder

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Fantasia & Fugue in C minor BWV537

HAROLD W. FRIEDELL
Cantabile (from Symphony in E minor)

LOUIS VIERNE
Preambule, Choral, Epitaphe, Scherzetto & Arabesque
(from 24 Pieces en Style Libre)

CESAR FRANCK
Cantabile

THOMAS ARNE
Flute Tune

MARCEL DUPRE
He Hath Put Down the Mighty from Their Seat & Amen-Finale
(from Vepres du Commun)

BILLY STRAYHORN
Lotus

MSR Classics