Mary Preston, soloist with the Dallas Wind Symphony on Reference Recordings' recent smash audiophile hit Crown Imperial, shows on Organ Odyssey her impeccable abilities on the mighty Fisk Op. 100 instrument which is renowned as one of the finest and most thrilling concert organs on the planet. Preston is one of the most in-demand organists in the world. She is the Resident Organist and Principal/Lay Family Chair with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Lay Family Concert Organ so she knows its colors, range and possibilities better than anyone.

For her first solo recital on RR, Mary has chosen a wide variety of music; popular favorites, organ “spectaculars,” and off-the-beaten-path items to stretch the ears. In the former category are two selections by the French master Widor, including the evergreen Fifth Symphony Toccata in an especially brisk, bracing performance.  American eccentric Charles Ives contributes irreverent Variations on “America,” which are sure to bring a smile to the face. Mendelssohn's substantial First Sonata and a stately chorale-prelude by Karg-Elert will satisfy organ mavens, while water-nymphs depicted by Vierne and an evening reverie by La Montaine provide welcome contrast. A highlight of the program is a powerful work by Messiaen to test the dynamic capabilities of any high-end sound system.

All these sonic riches were captured in three-dimensional, high-resolution HDCD sound by RR’s resident guru, “Prof.” Keith Johnson, who has just received his seventh GRAMMY nomination for Best Engineering, Classical (RR-108: Garden Of Dreams).

Mary Preston Organ Odyssey Track Listing

1. Sigfrid Karg-Elert: “Now Thank We All Our God” 
2. Louis Vierne: Naïades 
3-6. Felix Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 1 in F 
7. Charles-Marie Widor: Gothic Symphony—Andante sostenuto 
8. Charles Ives: Variations on “America” 
9. Olivier Messiaen: Dieu Parmi Nous 
10. John La Montaine: Even Song 
11. Charles-Marie Widor: Symphony No. 5—Toccata