大象传媒

Organ repertoire is steeped in history and mythology, a tradition moulded by generations of performer-composers - and Europe鈥檚 own social history. It can be both a virtue - and a millstone.

Iveta explores a selection of works that have defined generations of music that followed: but also composers and performers who have remixed and transformed that tradition - moving organ music squarely into the 21st century. With music by JS Bach, Ligeti, Mozart, Muhly, Philip Glass and Thierry Escaich.

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Acclaimed Latvian organ virtuoso Iveta Apkalna takes us on an odyssey through some of the greatest music for her instrument: exploding myths, overturning cliches and reinventing the way we approach one of the most extraordinary musical machines ever created.

She revels in an array of arresting, brilliant organ music from the famous to the unfamiliar: from cherished masterpieces by JS Bach, Liszt and Vierne to lesser-known works by Saariaho, Eben, Rheinberger and Nico Muhly. In focusing squarely on this remarkable repertoire, Iveta puts to bed any preconceptions that the world of the organ is somehow dry or technical - guiding us through the musical brilliance of some of the greatest performers of the last 100 years.

Above all, this is personal. No completism, no apologies for missing out this or that fugue or toccata. Instead: a fresh, compelling approach to some of the greatest - and often under-appreciated - music ever written.

Produced by Steven Rajam.
An Overcoat Media Production for 大象传媒 Radio 3.