“Nigel Potts is a superb musician in the most artistic sense, which is what matters first. His abilities as a colourist are especially profound, and the lyricism in his playing is as beautiful as can be imagined from any performer. He deserves to be heard widely.” Stephen Tharp, Concert Organist, 2006 “Nigel Potts is a musician of exceptional refinement; his resplendent playing and alluring personality resonate with those who thought they never cared for organ music.” “When Nigel Potts takes his place at the console, an audience can be assured of a stimulating program, with plenty of energy, exquisite expression and refreshing repertoire. He knows how to engage his listeners from the first note and has the individuality and imagination to bring alive whatever music he is playing.” "The superb playing and accompanying on Sunday were highlights for me -- his reputation is richly deserved." "Such energy and fire that organ has not seen in some time. The artistry and phrasing, ingenious registrations all come together in both sensitive and exuberant musicianship yielding a wonderful program."
clearly
inspires the richly talented Nigel Potts to great heights of achievement
in his compellingly splendid playing... I have enjoyed this disc very much;
it is richly rewarding.
the Duruflé Scherzo played so lovingly. The playing is excellent throughout as are the choices of registrations.
We hear sweeping crescendi, diminuendi and complex, juxtaposed, orchestrally
inspired registrations. A very enjoyable CD. Nigels recording (So Mote It Be!) is simply an aural delight
(which includes) his brilliant transcription of the first movement of
the Mozart Jupiter Symphony. He mixes the virtuosic with the understated (and his) playing shows
not only technical control, but also a sincere dedication to the idiom
and to the colors of the instrument. This is an exciting recording, (So Mote It Be!)
it is a
powerful collection of music by Masonic composers played on a great Scottish
Rite instrument. Nigels registrations are extremely orchestral and the playing
is first class. Two of the works have been very successfully transcribed
by Nigel. His Delius (The Walk to the Paradise Garden transcribed
by Nigel Potts) performance gave us a very fine example of orchestrally-inspired
shading and coloration
very difficult to do successfully on the organ,
but highly satisfying in both the refinement of the transcription score
and in his realization. An extremely impressive performance given by a gifted musician
.the
organ (Woolsey Hall, Yale University) was used in the most colorful way
possible It was an absolutely splendid program in every way and
from beginning to end...(he is) a real ambassador for the organ and for
Whitlock! The playing was beautiful - what a wonderful survey of the organ
works of Percy Whitlock and of the treasures of our organ.
we heard more from the instrument than I can recall ever
hearing from a visiting recitalist. His use of the instrument for
the sake of good musicianship was exemplary!
he
projects the music instead of himself
This guy
is a sleeper in our midst. It immediately showed Mr. Potts amazing ability to learn
so many of the intricacies of this complex instrument. His use of registration
and expression was a hallmark of his entire performance.
Played
(Sonata No.1 by Alexandre Guilmant) with fire, accuracy and brilliance,
the whole audience rose at its conclusion to give Nigel Potts a standing
ovation. We all know that he is on the way to an extraordinary career. This disc is an interesting compilation of transcriptions and organ works from Around the World. Potts is a good player
and I will follow his career with great interest. The (Paul) Spicer works were the most unfamiliar; he has a natural flair for composing for the organ, and his music is accessible and enjoyable. Overall, a worthwhile recording. Nigels ability to prepare and perform significantly complex
music in a very short time while retaining a commendably relaxed demeanour
was nothing short of amazing. (Nigel) won widespread
admiration and praise for his performance...Not
only was Nigels ability as a player outstanding, but his mastery
of a new instrument in a very short time frame without losing his sense
of humour was a revelation. This was a really FUN recital - Nigel played the 1922 Austin
very idiomatically - lots of color. I would very happily recommend Nigel
Potts to any of you looking for a recitalist. He is a fine player and
a charming person. His comfortable mastery of the vast organ and reverberant acoustic
of the Cathedral (Washington DC) was a joy to hear. |