David Hicken - Symphony Gothique (1998)

David Hicken’s "Symphony Gothique" is part of a series of Masterworks For Organ and was originally released on the LaserLight Digital label in 2000. The British-born Hicken has recorded several exceptional solo piano albums of his own compositions plus a Christmas album, but his original instrument was organ, an instrument that he has not composed music for. Hicken recently re-released several of his early albums on his own Enchanting Music label, including this one. The eight tracks include organ masterpieces by J.S. Bach, Eugene Gigout, John Stanley, Alexander Guilmant, Charles Marie Widor, Pietro A. Yon, Leon Boellmann, Vivaldi, and Henri Mulet and were recorded in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. I have always been a big fan of “heavy” organ music, so driving down I-5 in CA with the volume cranked up was close to euphoric!

Hicken received five grade 8 diplomas from The Royal School of Music with distinction by the time he was fifteen and went on to give recitals at numerous cathedrals throughout England, playing for the Queen when he was eighteen. After receiving a number of prestigious music awards, Hicken was given a full organ scholarship to study at Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. He founded The David Hicken School of Music in Hawaii where he teaches a full schedule of students, composes, and continues to perform.

The music on "Symphony Gothique" is powerful and performed to perfection. Very different from Hicken’s piano compositions, it shows a different side of his artistry that is beyond impressive. If you love classical organ music, this is a must-have. Turn up the volume and let this fantastic album rattle the windows!

"Symphony Gothique" is very highly recommended!!!