Carl Rütti is arguably the most significant Swiss composer of organ music, and this year he celebrates his 60th birthday. It is therefore with considerable pride that Guild presents this very timely release of his complete organ music – played by the composer himself. These brand-new recordings are literally state-of-the-art with regard to organ recordings, and the performances of this important, dramatic and beautiful music by Carl Rütti himself are simply the most authentic that any lover of contemporary music could wish.
"...Though known primarily for his choral works, Rütti is an accomplished organist and has composed a number of substantial pieces for the instrument. On this new disc, he performs a sampling of these organ solos, dating from 1975 to 2003... Although every moment of these pieces is entirely accessible, there is never anything remotely hackneyed or clichéd. Rütti’s craft and creativity are consistently stunning. The composer performs these pieces excellently on the characterful organ of Hofkriche St. Leodegar (Collegiate Church) in Lucerne, Switzerland... The organ is beautifully recorded with close detail (the clarity of articulation is very noticeable) and serves Rütti’s music superbly... These are pieces that deserve to be in the repertoire of every organist."
Carson Cooman - Fanfare - 13 May 2010
"...very strongly recommended."
Robert Matthew-Walker - The Organ Autumn 2009
"...This CD, recorded on the magnificent organ of the Hofkirche in Lucerne, brings together his five major works for organ. They all have religious connotations and range from his earliest, Annunciation, composed in the mid – 1970s, to Vita, which dates from 2003. The recording is clear and bright and captures the full grandeur of the instrument. The sound-world that Rütti inhabits is close to that of Messiaen, though he is not afraid to end a piece on a major chord. His writing is virtuosic and uninhibited, since he is clearly a fine performer...I cannot think of a series of compositions for organ that have impressed me so much since I first encountered Messiaen some 50 years ago. Do buy this disc and listen for yourself."
Peter Marchbank - International Record Review - March 2010
