GERRE HANCOCK

Press Notices

WASHINGTON DC “With his extraordinary genius in this art and the resources of the cathedral organ, Hancock poured out one of the most thrilling moments heard on any organ recital, with a peroration of indescribable brilliance."

The American Organist

“….a triumph of creativity….dazzling.”

The Washington Post

CHICAGO "HANCOCK IMPROVISES WITH MASTERY" .... "He is an organist in the grand tradition...."

Chicago Sun-Times

CLEVELAND "ORGANIST'S PERFORMANCE BRINGS THE AUDIENCE TO ITS FEET"

The Plain Dealer

SALT LAKE CITY “This New York-based musician thoroughly entertained, amused and amazed a full house of concertgoers.

The Salt Lake Tribune

CALGARY “…a splendid feat of musical imagination…”

The Calgary Herald

BUFFALO "A formidable virtuoso with a breadth of artistic equipment."

Buffalo Evening News

ATLANTA "One of the great masters of improvisation...."

The Atlanta Constitution

HOUSTON "CLASSICAL ORGANIST EXCELS ON A HEROIC SCALE...."Hancock then gave a virtuoso account of his inventive talents, improvising a lengthy four movement organ sonata on six themes..."

Houston Post

MIAMI "Mr. Hancock is a bold and daring organist who has a fantastic facility with the pedals and an exceptionally strong technique. He likes to perform works full of color and exuberance, and has a flair for getting brilliant effects.

Miami Herald

ANN ARBOR "The program concluded with one of Hancock's famous, indescribably athletic improvisations, which rightly brought the audience to its feet in an unsubduable outpouring of almost incredulous admiration."

The American Organist

NASHVILLE "It was a magnificent recital from every standpoint....truly stupendous technique that left the listener breathless."

Nashville Banner

JACKSONVILLE (IL) "HANCOCK PERFORMANCE SUPERB"

Jacksonville Journal Courier

LONG BEACH "Not only the organists, but every member of Tuesday's audience, came away the richer for having heard Gerre Hancock. He is a sophisticated musician, an unerring technician, and a virtuoso in the best sense of that tired word."

Press Telegram

WORCESTER "Radiating tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the music....Hancock showed a rare ability to combine control with a spirited sense of showmanship and flair. An obviously enthralled audience....rose to their feet to give a richly deserved standing ovation."

Worcester Telegram

NORFOLK “If the details of the four movements [improvised symphony] were individually interesting, it was the pacing and proportions of the whole work that made it so thrilling. All elements were in balance, and manipulated to build to the final moments.”

The Virginia Pilot

AUSTIN "The most impressive work in terms of startling musical bulk was Reger's Fantasy and Fugue on BACH, Opus 46. Hancock gave an extraordinarily intelligent and exciting performance of the piece, proving his ability to slip inside the skin of an often misunderstood composer and burst out of it again to serve the music with his own balanced originality."

Austin-American Statesman

LAWRENCE "Mr. Hancock is an honest virtuoso; he genuinely enjoys playing the organ. A spectacular technique allows him to give sensitive, heartfelt readings....The whole program was so dazzling that the only appropriate response seemed to be `wow!'"

The American Organist

LONDON, ENGLAND "At Westminster Cathedral, Gerre Hancock showed himself to be an organ colorist in the great tradition of Lynwood Farnum."

The London Times

EDMONTON, ALBERTA "Displaying virtuosic technique and uncanny musicianship he turned the comparatively new mechanical organ inside out in his delineation of diverse pieces. In so doing he explored the instrument's every possible tonal facility."

Edmonton Journal

RECORDING REVIEWS

Great Organs of New York (B&V Recordings)

".... Gerre Hancock in one of his now almost legendary improvisations...."

The American Organist

On a Sunday Afternoon, Volume 2 (JAV Recordings)

“Hancock is brilliantly successful.”

The Organists’ Review

“A symphonic improvisation of nearly 29 minutes occupies the second half of this

splendid program. It is wonderful playing, and we are fortunate to have it available to

hear again and again.” The Diapason

Fanfare (Gothic Records)

"....a legend among organ recitalists and a titan among improvisers."

American Record Guide

Christmas Improvisations (Gothic Records)

“….musical through and through….”

American Record Guide

“Hancock takes some pages from his book on improvisation and lives up to the best possibilities of this ephemeral art by providing inspiring and exciting listening for any month or season.”

The American Organist

“….Dr. Hancock’s powerful imagination and sense of form …. his playing and musicianship are on the highest level.”

The Organists’ Review

“Certainly when one thinks of the great organ improvisers of our day, one’s thoughts must turn to Gerre Hancock. … The present recording provides us with sterling examples from a true master of the art of improvisation. Highly recommended.”

The Diapason