Gumbs is a magnificent organist. Sometimes I think his pacing is a bit too deliberate, but he has total command of the music and is completely in the spirit of Widor. The “bumblebee” variation, as I think of it, is a wonderful tour de force of keyboard handling. The piu lento chordal section following it is wonderful, full of gravitas and song. And this is THE organ!!! The pedalboard looks marvelously responsive. And what a crescendo right before the fff restatement of the theme! It just gets better as it goes along! He handles the accents (sf) toward the end with marvelous aplomb.
This is only the first movement, a cunning set of variations. How I wish you had recorded the entire symphony--especially the Andante, which immediately precedes the legendary Toccata. What a beautiful sound that movement would make on this huge instrument!
Bravo!!! I am friends with Thomas Murray and your recital would make him pleased with your use of all the Newberry has to offer in choice of stops. Bravo!
Wonderful performance! Well controlled and articulated. Great to hear this work on the Woolsey Hall Skinner. Your power of concentration is exceptional. Thank you for sharing this with us.
