Gail Archer - Cantius (2022) [Hi-Res]

The latest release from organist Gail Archer encompassing composers from Poland. This album is the continuation of Ms. Archer's Eastern Europe music exploration. Focused on contemporary composers, this album was recorded at Saint John Cantius R.C. Church in Chicago IL. in July 2021. Here is a brief description from Gail: "In the summer of 2003, I traveled to Poland for the first time to play five concerts in Zakopane, Krasnobrod, Stalowa Wola, Lublin and Gdansk. Since then, I have visited Poland nearly every year to play organ recitals. The deep appreciation for the organ and its literature is influenced by the strong Roman Catholic faith traditions in the country. Worship services and recitals alike fill the churches to capacity and the audience is clearly knowledgeable about the music. Playing in Poland gives one a remarkable sense of satisfaction because the performer and the audience participate in the music-making with such a vital, engaged spirit. In choosing the repertoire for this CD, I aimed to include a living artist, a woman composer and examples of romantic and contemporary works. The result of the search was inspiring, and it is my hope that the listener will be surprised and refreshed by these voices from Eastern Europe."