I am sure that Franz Liszt would have been delighted with the new Goll organ at St. Laurenzen (St. Gallen, Switzerland): on the one hand, it is as flexible in sound as the best concert grand piano. On the other hand, it has a symphonic power and countless colors like the individual instruments of an orchestra. In addition, the sound of this orgen literally comes from all sides and adds a new transparency and architectural dimension to the music.

Franz Liszt's magnificent Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale "Ad Nos, ad salutarem undam", written in1850, has fascinated me for many years. I love it as a masterpiece. It is also one of the core works of my A Tempo Project, as it is one of the most outstanding examples of a different tempo practice: several historical sources indicate its duration with 40-45 minutes - whereas today's performances are usually in a 25-28 minute range.

Following historical sources and reports on the Ad Nos Fantasy, my interpretation therefore needs more time, more space, more breathing - and that is exactly what the new Laurenzen organ can offer. I'm thrilled to be able to perform this unique work on September 1, 2024 as part of the opening concert of the 1st Laurenzen Autumn Organ Festival.

For those who want to learn more I will be delivering a half-hour introduction to the work and its history before the concert (in German).

Sunday, September 1, 2024
16:15: Introduction (in German)
17:30: Concert
For the concert a Seat reservation is obligatory: https://eventfrog.ch/ruchtisg2

Information about the festival: laurenzen.ch