Iveta Apkalna - L'amour et la mort: Organ Works by Widor, Saint-Saens, Bizet & Faure (LP)

Iveta Apkalna, the renowned Latvian organist, presents a captivating collection of organ works with her album "L'amour et la mort: Organ Works by Widor, Saint-Saens, Bizet & Faure." Released on February 1, 2011, under the Oehms Classics label, this album is a testament to Apkalna's virtuosity and her deep understanding of these timeless compositions.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, the album features a diverse range of pieces, including Charles-Marie Widor's majestic "Organ Symphony No. 5 in F Minor, Op. 42 No. 1: V. Toccata," Camille Saint-Saëns' haunting "Danse macabre in G Minor, Op. 40," and Georges Bizet's enchanting "L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1 and 2." Each piece is meticulously arranged, showcasing Apkalna's ability to bring out the rich, resonant tones of the organ and the intricate nuances of each composition.

The album also includes Gabriel Fauré's "Pavane, Op. 50," arranged by Apkalna herself, adding a personal touch to this already impressive collection. The arrangements by J. Abbing, E.H. Lemare, and A. Guilmant further enhance the depth and variety of the pieces, making this album a true celebration of the organ's expressive power.

Iveta Apkalna's masterful performance and the exquisite selection of works make "L'amour et la mort" a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.