The enormously prolific Marie Joseph Erb (1858–1944) has somehow escaped the attention of posterity, although the quality of his music would seem to be on a par with contemporary organist-composers whose works are far better known. Erb’s long life – he heard Berlioz conduct in 1863 and was still composing in 1944 – was focused on Strasbourg, where he was active as pianist, organist and professor, though he had studied in Paris, with Fauré, Gigout, Saint-Saëns and Widor, and later with Liszt in Weimar. This first album devoted to his organ music in almost 30 years sandwiches four lyrical chamber works between two towering sonatas.
Works:
•Marie-Joseph Erb: Sonaten für Orgel & English Horn Nr. 1 & 2
•Marie-Joseph Erb: Dritte Sonate "Veni Creator"
•Marie-Joseph Erb: Sonata Mater Salvatoris opo. 82
•Marie-Joseph Erb: Meditation für Orgel & Cello op. 88
•Marie-Joseph Erb: Priere über ein Motiv aus "Gib' uns heute unser täglich Brot" für Orgel & Violine op. 71