Jeremy Filsell has recorded on the two Moller organs in the main part of the Basilica itself, taking advantage of their enormous range of expressive power and his dazzling facility to communicate extremely difficult and complex musical structures … Filsell s command of this repertoire, his expressiveness at the organ, his impeccable technique, his overt musicality, and his obvious love of the music make this an incredible recording. Much of this music is not in the normal concert literature that we often hear; it is refreshing to find all of this meaty repertoire and to its being placed in the light of day. The organs at the Shrine sound stunning. The main instrument may have the “meanest” low pedal reeds in the entire world. (At least, I’ve never heard anything more fearsome than these). Enormous kudos to Jeremy Filsell.’
Association of Anglican Musicians
’Technically, he’s on top of the game…absolutely brilliant technique, demanding (and getting) enormous respect and appreciation for the supreme magnitude of the achievement [complete Dupré].’
The American Organist
‘Sublime virtuosity that hides virtuosity. An immaculate recital by an immaculate organist.’
Classic CD
‘…I must register a certain shock at the sheer brilliance of his playing. Technically he is outstanding, but what impresses me most is his uncanny musical insight and the sheer persuasive power of his performances He clearly possesses exceptional musicianship and considerable technical virtuosity. Here is playing of the very first order an a disc which no lover of French organ music should be without.’
Gramophone, London
‘Jeremy Filsell is a technically scintillating player whose dexterity, rhythmic vitality and driving energy through this rich and generous programme invite the highest admiration. The disc includes Filsell’s own brilliant transcription from a 1974 recording of Pierre Cochereau’s improvised Scherzo Symphonique -‘What lambent fire (sheet-and other lightnings!) of all commendable kinds!’ said Carlyle, putting down a volume of Ruskin: the same might be said of this electrifying CD.’
Organists’ Review
‘Filsell’s astonishing interpretative and technical skills make for compulsive listening…this series sets the standard for Dupré interpreters of the future and is a landmark in the history of organ recordings…few British players can match his flair…superbly insightful…truly distinguished, compelling and unquestionably authoritative performances.’
Gramophone, London
‘Filsell … technically extremely accomplished nonetheless does not attract attention for his virtuosity but for his ability to make the music unfold with irresistible logic and clarity: music-making of the highest calibre.’
Classic CD
‘The Vierne will make your hairstand on end, and yet nothing is vulgar or rushed. The sometimes elusive logic of Widor’s outer movements is traced with extraordinary inevitability and even urgency.’
The American Organist
‘Jeremy Filsell’s performance was of a world-class standard…This could so easily have been an opportunity for Filsell merely to stun the audience with his virtuosity; it is further to his credit that above the huge mental and physical demands a live performance of this work provides, his understanding of the music, and his success in communicating it with integrity and sensitivity, shone through.’
Choir & Organ
‘Flawless playing of virtuoso works; performances of which the composer would be proud.’
The American Organist
‘…it is clear that the benefits of a fine Piano technique are absolutely essential for the performance of this music … Jeremy Filsell shows just those qualities coupled with a flair for building a distinctive and unusual programme which displays so many of the poetic aspects of Dupré as well as some of the more extrovert…’
Organists’ Review
‘Stunning recital…Exceptional instrumental virtuosity is only one aspect of the unusual musical talents of Jeremy Filsell, whose recording career has taken off with a splendid CD of the music of Eugène Goossens…. Marvelously played.’
Felix Aprahamian, Church Times, London
‘The piano sonata [of Reubke] is a great work, and Filsell’s reading is superb: dashing, but nevertheless conherent, controlled, and mature.’
The American Organist
’Jeremy Filsell is a gifted performer, as a pianist and also as an organist, and he is a most convincing and persuasive guide to this repertoire. He has an especially pleasing colour at softer dynamics…When necessary he is inwardly brooding…or outwardly ebullient…imaginatively and expressively played…excellently played.’
Gramophone, London
‘Dupré’s music is not only technically very demanding but is musically complex and consequently particularly difficult to bring off in performance. The challenge inspires Filsell to uniformly outstanding performances, which by their persuasive power can only come from someone who not only can play the music, but positively enjoys it too.’
Gramophone, London
‘… a BBC Concert Orchestra on world-class form and Jeremy Filsell who handles the hugely demanding organ part with dazzling virtuosity …’
Gramophone, London
‘… performances of fire and energy and a pianist’s technique to go with it. Thus the Allegro appassionato of the Sonata really lives up to its name … playing of excitement and real clarity …’
Organists’ Review
‘ … the two Sonatas here impose Herculean technical and imaginative demands – demands which Filsell meets most impressively …. he draws an arresting range of colour and dynamics in the organ work in response to the music’s eerie disquiet, and despatches its tumultuous eruptions with all the necessary urgency and might … Filsell responds to the Piano Sonata’s strength and breadth without overt technical strain and again, there is no doubting his warmth of feeling.’
Gramophone, London
‘ … to hear Filsell play the Piano Sonata is to experience one of those thrills which come but rarely … buy this record you certainly must!’
Organists’ Review
‘I can’t think when I’ve heard such exciting organ playing….a fiery player, one who understands that music rarely wants to relax too much….this is playing of a remarkable rhythmic nuance.’
Scott Cantrell, The American Organist
Jeremy Filsell 