“McCoy takes us through over a century of French organ music from Saint-Saëns to Florentz. The bonkers Varèse Ameriques arranged for organ and percussion is quite the ride.”
Michael Beek, Reviews Editor, BBC Music Magazine ***
”…a bracingly original programme… [with a] sure grasp of musical architecture and appealingly theatrical sense of pacing.”
Thomas May, Gramophone
“Amériques, according to McCoy is a showpiece, it starts out fairly normal, but it keeps getting weirder, so crazy in fact, that I didn’t really want to listen any further. You don’t believe your ears. How do you describe that? It is the title of the CD: Symphonic Roar.”
Peter Snape, Orgelnieuws.nl (translated)
“Reviewing this CD was thoroughly enjoyable. I relished the playing, the sound of the organs and the power of the recording. It was a privilege to be introduced to this compelling transcription of Edgard Varèse’s Amériques. The impact will remain with me for some time.”
John France, Musicweb International
Yuri McCoy, organ
Brady Spitz, percussion
*World premiere recording, new transcription:
1. Florentz, La Croix du Sud, Op.15. Poème Symphonique pour Grand Orgue
2. Guilmant, III. Allegro Vivace from Sonata No. 2 in D Major, op. 50
3. Bonnet, ‘Elfes,’ No. 11 from 12 Pièces, Op. 7
4. Saint-Saëns, Fantaisie in D flat major, Op 101
5. Vierne, ‘Clair de lune,’ No. 5 from 24 Pièces de Fantaisie pour orgue, Suite No.2, Op. 53
6. *Varèse, Amériques (arr. by Yuri McCoy/Brady Spitz)
Total Time: 74:59
Yuri McCoy | Brady Spitz | Cover Art | Organ Specification, Edythe Bates Old Grand Organ
Organ Specification, South Main Baptist
“McCoy’s… playing is musical, technically brilliant, and displays a fine ear for color… A unique recording.”
Robert Delcamp, American Record Guide
“McCoy is to be applauded for his fine performances… remarkable… brilliantly arranged… excellently conceived and executed recording…”
Rupert Gough, Choir and Organ *****
“Fascinating listening, from mystery-laden start to roaring finish!”
Michael Schulman, The WholeNote Magazine
“…this is a performer that takes each work firmly into his grasp and delivers on every objective he sets himself…this CD is compelling listening and expertly delivered.”
Helen Foord, Organists’ Review ***