Leopoldas Digrys
Leopoldas Digrys is the most prominent Lithuanian organist. He was born on September 8, 1934, in a family of lawyers. He started learning music when he was only five years old. After having graduated from the Vilnius Ten-Year School of Music (now National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts) in 1952, he entered the Moscow P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory where he finished his piano and organ studies in 1957 and then his postgraduate studies of both specialities in 1960 and 1961 (with Prof. G. Ginzburg and Prof. L. Roizman). He had an internship at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague with Prof. Dr. I. Reinberger. In 1960 Digrys started working at the Vilnius State Conservatoire (now Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre) as Senior Lecturer, then Associated Professor and Professor (1980). He retired in 2001. In 1997 Digrys established a public institution, The Centre for Religious Music, which he has been heading on volunteer basis since then.
Digrys started giving piano concerts while still a student in 1955 and organ concerts, in 1957. He has given over 2500 concerts in Lithuania, Finland (1963), Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland (1969), Austria, Germany (1971), Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland (1966, 1968, 1969 and 1972), Hungary (1970), Bulgaria, Romania, Israel and all former republics of the U.S.S.R. He has participated in international festivals in Schleswig-Holstein, J. S. Bach’s anniversary festivals in Bremen and Leipzig, also in Zurich, Lucerne, Turin, Venice, Goteborg, Gottingen, Salzburg, Tel Aviv, Sofia’s Autumn, Moscow Stars, A. Sakharov in Nizhny Novgorod and many others.
It would be difficult to list the musician’s repertoire. As one of the most active performers and most esteemed organists, he performs music of all epochs: the old, the romantic and contemporary organ music. He was the first to perform opuses for organ by E. Balsys, J. Juzeliūnas, B. Kutavičius, R. Žygaitis, T. Makačinas, V. Bartulis, G. Bovet, A. Nemtin and other composers; he was also the first performer of opuses by many international composers in Lithuania. He has given a range of concert series in Vilnius. Currently he is preparing European Organ Music, a series of concerts with the new organ of the St. Casimir’s Church. He has performed already 17 different programmes.
Digrys has recorded 21 vinyl discs (two of them in Western Germany of the time); he has many radio records; two short films have been made about him. His CD is currently being published.
On the initiative of Leopoldas Digrys or with his participation concert and small mobile organs have been built in the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, Picture Gallery (now the Cathedral-Basilica of Vilnius), the Small Baroque Hall (now The Church of Holy Cross), St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius, the Hall of Klaipėda University and six student organs at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Thanks to the maestro’s effort, the organ class has been re-opened at the present Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre in 1962 (it was closed in 1949), and the Organ and Clavichord Department was founded in 1990. The organ specialism was also started at the present Vilnius Conservatoire in 1992. Regional M. K. Čiurlionis Organ Competitions started in 1967 (with a long break) and in 1991, they became international.
Digrys has been a member of juries, their vice-chairman and chairman at international and regional competitions in Vilnius, Prague, Kiev and Kaliningrad. Among former students of Leopoldas Digrys there are professors, associated professors and laureates of international and regional competitions. In 1998, his textbook Kaip groti vargonais (How to Play Organ) was published by the Lithuanian Musicians Union (now it has been translated into Russian and is being published in Moscow).
Since 1963 the organist had been working together with the Lithuanian Philharmonic in organising concerts of organ music in the former Picture Gallery and later in the Small Baroque Hall which became traditional. He has organised eight International Festivals of Organ Music together with the Philharmonic. When churches were returned to their congregations, he has been continuing the tradition of free Sunday concerts at the St. Casimir’s Church in Vilnius. From 1991 he played the digital Allen organ, and since 2003 he has been playing the new Oberlinger organ. Every year he gives over 60 concerts. His concerts from July to August are included in the programme of the St. Christopher Summer Festival, Vilnius. His Centre for Religious Music organises concerts also in other Lithuanian churches.
During the years of occupation Digrys was awarded the title of Honoured People’s Artist of the LSSR and the Regional Prize and honorary diplomas of the Supreme Council. In independent Lithuania, he was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, St. Christopher’s statue and diplomas of the Cardinal and the Major of Vilnius. In 1994 he was awarded the State Pension of the First Degree. In 2008 Leopoldas Digrys won the Lithuanian Government Award for Artists.
SOLO WORKS
Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude and fugue in D major, BWV 532
Pastorale in F major, BWV 590
Chorale "Das alte Jahr vergange ist", BWV 614
Chorale "Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottes-Sohn", BWV 601
Six Schubler chorales, BWV 645-650
Chorale from cantata No. 147
Prelude and fugue in E flat minor, BWV 552
Adagio in E minor
Fantasia and fugue in G minor
Pasaccaglia and fugue in C minor
Italian Concerto
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
Sonata in C minor
Toccatas in D minor, C major
8 Chorales
Partita in C minor
Trio in G major
Fantasia and Imitatio in B minor
Johannes Brahms
2 chorales
Anton Bruckner
Vorspiel und fuge in c-moll
Dieterich Buxtehude
Chaconne
Prelude and fugue in D major
3 chorales
Archangelo Corelli
Concerto for organ solo
Petr Eben
Laudes
Fantasia and fugue in G minor, B.542
Passacaglia in C minor, B. 532
Cesar Franck
Chorale No. 3 in A minor
Fantasia in A minor
Girolamo Frescobaldi
Capriccio
Alexander Glazunov
Prelude and fugue in D major, op. 93
Paul Hindemith
Sonata No. 1
Olivier Messiaen
Apparition de l'Eglise eternelle
Henry Purcell
Fanfare
Dmitri Shostakovich
Prelude and fugue in D minor, op. 87 No. 24
CONCERTS
Archangelo Corelli
Concerto for organ in G minor
George Frideric Handel
Concerto grosso op. 3
Concertos for organ and orchestra No. 1, 2, 4, 5
Francis Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra
Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto in G major
Concerto in D minor
CHAMBER WORKS
Johann Sebastian Bach
Sonatas for violin and organ No. 1, 2
Sonatas for cello and organ No. 1, 2, 3
George Frideric Handel
Cantata "Vagcha bella"
Archangelo Scarlatti
Sento nel core Qual farfaletta amante
Alessandro Stradella
Pieta, Signore
ORATORIAS. CANTATAS
Benjamin Britten
Missa Solemnis
LITHUANIAN COMPOSERS
Eduardas Balsys
Cantata "Nešantis saulę" for soloist, choir, organ and percussion
Introduction and pasacaglia
Syphony-concerto for organ and orchestra
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis
Preludes, fugues: in G minor, C sharp minor, C minor, F sharp minor, B flat minor
fugue chorale in A minorl
Two little fugues: in G minor, in C minor
Two canones in A flat major, in D minor
Julius Juzeliūnas
Concerto for violin, organ and chamber orchestra
Concerto for organ solo
Melika, sonata for voice and organ
Bronius Kutavičius
Last Pagan Rites / Paskutinės pagonių apeigos, oratorio
Reminiscence
Teisutis Makačinas
Sonata for organ op. 8
Stasys Vainiūnas
Concerto for organ and string orchestra in C sharp minor, op. 18
Concerto for organ and orchestra in F sharp minor "Bėkit bareliai"
Concert in Moscow, Conservatory of P.Tchaikovsky, 28-01-1970
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in E minor
4 choral preludes
Toccata and fugue in D minor
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Lviv, 21-03-1970
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
4 choral fantasies
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Six chorals
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Vilnius, Pictures Gallery, 29-03-1970
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Six choral fantasies
Sonata No. 2
Two arias
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
E.Digrys (violin)
Concert in Yerevan, House of Composers, 04-01-1970
Programme :
Seger
Prelude and fugue in C major
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in D minor
Fugue in F minor
Kuchaz
Fantasy in G minor
Cernogorsky
Fugue in A minor
Toccata in C major
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 18-04-1970
Programme :
R.Žigaitis
Solemnity Ode for organ, choir and chamber orchestra
Concert in Vilnius, Pictures Gallery, 10-06-1970
Programme :
J.Juzeliūnas
Concerto for organ solo
J.S.Bach
Aria in E major
Aria in G major
Choral fantasy
Toccata and fugue in D minor
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in E major
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 08-12-1969
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Four choral preludes
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Six choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Gorkis Conservatory, 09-12-1969
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Choral prelude in B minor
Aria in G major
Aria in E major
Choral prelude in D major
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Six choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Vilnius, Pictures Gallery, 27-11-1969
Programme :
H.Purcell
Flourish
J.S.Bach
Aria in E major, Aria in G major
Pasacaglia and fugue in C minor
G.F.Handel
Aria from opera Alcesta
Ch.W.Gluck
Aria from opera Orfpheus
L.Cherubini
Ave Maria
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1
T.Makačinas
Andante from sonata for organ
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in A minor
D.Kasperiūnaitė (mezzosoprano)
Concert in Vilnius, Pictures Gallery, 16-11-1969
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Aria from cantata No. 106
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in A minor
T.Makačinas
Andante from sonata for organ
B.Britten
Messa Brevis
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ, chamber orchestra and timpani
Boys choir Ąžuoliukas, V.Daunoras (bass), S.Sondeckis (conductor)
Concert in Vilnius, Pictures Gallery, 14-11-1969
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Aria from cantata No. 106
T.Makačinas
Andante from sonata for organ
B.Britten
Messa Brevis
Boys choir Ąžuoliukas, V.Daunoras (bass)
Concert in Riga, Dom Cathedral, 25-10-1969
Programme :
Seger
Prelude and fugue in C major
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in D minor
Fugue in F minor
Kuchaz
Fantasy in G minor
Cernogorsky
Fugue in A minor
Toccata in C major
B.Macha
Funeral toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Leningrad Philharmonic, 22-10-1969
Programme :
Seger
Prelude and fugue in C major
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in F minor
Kuchaz
Fantasy in G minor
Cernogorsky
Fugue in A minor
Toccata in C major
Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Four choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Geneve, San Gerve Cathedral, 12-10-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Three chorals
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Bill (Switzerland), 06-10-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in D major
Seger
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in D minor
Fugue in F minor
Cernogorsky
Fugue in A minor
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Three chorals
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Concert in Lozana (Switzerland), 03-10-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Three choral fantasies
J.Seger
Prelude and fugue
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in D minor
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Luzerna (Switzerland), 30-09-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
J.Seger
Prelude and fugue
Pastoral in D major
Fugue in D minor
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
P.Eben
Laudes No. 1, 2, 3, 4
Concert in Cracow Philharmonic, 15-02-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra
Cracow symphony orchestra, conductor Tchaikovsky
Concert in Cracow, the High School of Music, 13-02-1969
Programme :
International Organ Music Festival
J.S.Bach
Passacaglia in C minor
Three choral preludes
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
Choral No. 3
Concert in Riga, Dom Cathedral, 28-12-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
C.Franck
Choral fantasy No. 1
H.Purcell
Pavane and chaconne
M.K.Čiurlionis
Prelude and fugue
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra in G minor
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Saulius Sondeckis, conductor
Concert in Novosibirsk Conservatory, 14-12-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in E minor
G.F.Handel
Concerto No. 1 for organ and orchestra
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 4
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 20-10-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Aria in G major
Aria in E major
Two choral preludes
Aria from cantata No. 82
Aria from cantata No. 106
Fantasy and fugue in G major
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No.4
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
B.Britten
Messa Brevis op. 63 (First performance)
Concert in Leningrad Philharmonic, 03-10-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
Six choral preludes
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Three choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Riga, Dom Cathedral, 23-08-1968
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Aria in E major
Aria in G major
Three chorals
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No.4
A.Allen
Chaconne Pendents Gardens
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
C.Franck
Piece
Concert in Poland, The International Organ Music Festival, 07-07-1968
Programme :
Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in A major
J.S.Bach
Three chorals
Prelude and fugue in D major
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugue in B flat minor
P.Eben
Laudes No.4
Concert in Leningrad Philharmonic, 03-05-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in D minor
Six choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Six choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Almaty, Institute of Art, 23-04-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Choral prelude in B minor
Aria in E major (arrang. L.Digrys)
Aria in G major (arrang. Chill)
Choral prelude in D major
Prelude and fugue in D major
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 4
Allen
Chaconne Pendents Gardens
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
C.Franck
Choral fantasy No. 3
Concert in Minsk Philharmonic, 19-04-1968
Programme :
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra and timpani
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conductor Saulius Sondeckis
Concert in Tallinn Philharmonic, 14-04-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in D major
Choral prelude in B minor
Aria in E major
Aria in G major
Choral prelude in D major
Pasacaglia and fugue in C minor
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No. 4
Allen
Chaconne Pendent gardens
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
C.Franck
Chorale No. 3
Concert in Leningrad Philharmonic, 03-05-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in D minor
Six choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Six choral fantasies
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Leningrad, M.Glinkas Hall, 19-02-1968
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in D major
Six choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in B minor
B.Macha
Funeral Toccata
P.Eben
Laudes No.4
A.Allen
Chaconne Pendents Gardens
O.Messiaen
"Les Mages" from "La Nativite du Seigneur"
C.Franck
Choral fantasy No. 3 in A minor
Concert in Doneck Philharmonic, 30-03-1967
Programme :
Vivaldi-Bach
Concerto in C minor
J.S.Bach
6 choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugue in F sharp minor
Fugue-choral in A minor
Fugue in B flat minor
T.Makačinas
Prelude
Vidor
Toccata
Concert in Moscow, P.Tchaikovsky Hall, 24-03-1967
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Concerto in A minor
Sonata in C minor
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Concerto in A minor
Six chorals
Prelude and fugue in D major
Concert in Leningrad, M.Glinka's Hall, 12-02-1967
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Two chorales
Prelude and fugue in D major
Concert in Tallinn Philharmonic, 29-01-1967
Programme :
Vivaldi-Bach
Concerto in D minor
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugue in F sharp minor
Fugue-Choral in A minor
Fugue in B flat minor
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
M.Reger
Introduction and passacaglia in D minor
Concert in Riga, The Dom Cathedral, 27-10-1966
Programme :
Vivaldi-Bach
Concerto in D minor
Sonata in C minor
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugue in C sharp minor
Fugue in C minor
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in A minor
Concert in Leningrad, M.Glinka's Hall, 21-10-1966
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
Sonata in C minor
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
8 choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in D major
Concert in Warsaw Philharmonic, 06-09-1966
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Sonata in C minor
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
M.Reger
Introduction and passacaglia in D minor
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
Choral in A minor
Concert in Kaunas Sculpture and Stained Glass Gallery, 26-06-1966
Programme :
A.Vivaldi
Symphonys No. 1 and No. 3
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Manfredini
Symphony No. 10 for organ and orchestra
C.Franck
Choral fantasy
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conductor Saulius Sondeckis
Concert in Riga, The Dom Cathedral, 12-06-1966
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Six chorals
Prelude and fugue in D major
Prelude and fugue in B minor
M.Reger
Pasacaglia in D minor
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
Concert in Moscow, P.Tchaikovsky's Hall, 17-04-1966
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Concerto in D minor
Sonata in C minor
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Prelude and fugue in C minor
Six chorals
Prelude and fugue in D major
Concert in Šiauliai (Lithuania), 10-03-1966
Programme :
W.A.Mozart
Sonata for violin and piano
J.Brahms
Sonata for clarinet and piano
A.Honegger
Sonata for clarinet and piano
A.Vainiūnaitė (violin), A.Budrys (clarinet)
Concert in Kaunas Sculpture and Stained Glass Gallery, 27-02-1966
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
A.Vivaldi
Symphony No. 3
G.F.Handel
Concerto for organ and orchestra in G minor
J.S.Bach
Toccata and fugue in D minor
C.Franck
Fantasy in A major
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conductor Saulius Sondeckis
Concert in Tbilisi Conservatory, 15-01-1966
Programme :
T.Makačinas
Sonata
J.Juzeliūnas
Concerto for organ, violin and orchestra
Concert in Tallinn philharmonic, 14-11-1965
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Six chorales
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
T.Makačinas
Sonata
C.Franck
Fantasy in E major
Concert in Leningrad, M.Glinka's Hall, 17-10-1965
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Six chorales
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Forgiveness
Aria from cantata No. 68
G.F.Handel
Ah, my heart
A.Vivaldi
Aria from oratorio
B.Marcello
That Flame Warmes Soul
Bach-Gounod
Ave Maria
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugues: in C sharp minor, in C minor
I.Žukaitė (soprano)
Concert in Kaunas Sculpture and Stained Glass Gallery, 25-09-1965
Programme :
M.K.Čiurlionis
Fugues in C minor, in C sharp minor
Preludes and variations (arrang L.Digrys)
J.S.Bach
Three choral preludes
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Chaconne
F.Poulenck
Concerto for organ and orchestra and timpani
Concert in Leningrad, M.Glinka's Hall, 09-1965
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Six chorales
Aria from cantata
Prelude and fugue in C minor
W.A.Mozart
Fantasy in F minor
G.Caccini
Madrigal
A.Stradella
Pieta Signore
F.Schubert
Ave Maria
M.K.Čiurlionis
Two fugues
Virgilijus Noreika (tenor)
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 15-07-1965
Programme :
Stasys Vainiūnas
Concerto for organ and orchestra in F sharp minor
Lithuanian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conductor J.Domarkas
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 23-05-1965
Programme :
J.Juzeliūnas
Concerto for organ, violin and string orchestra (first performance)
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Saulius Sondeckis, conductor, E.Paulauskas (violin)
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 21-05-1965
Programme :
Vivaldi-Bach
Concerto for organ in E minor
J.S.Bach
Adagio in E major for violin and organ
Prelude and fugue in A minor
T.Makačinas
Sonata for organ (first performance)
T.A.Vitali
Chaconne for violin and organ
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in E major
E.Digrys (violin)
Concert in Moscow, P.Tchaikovsky's Hall, 23-03-1965
Programme :
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra and timpani
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conductor Saulius Sondeckis
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 26-01-1965
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Pastoral
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Sonata in C minor
Toccata and fugue in D minor
Concert in Moscow, the P.Tchaikovsky Hall, 07-12-1964
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Fantasy and fugue in G minor
Three choral preludes: in A minor, in A major, in A minor
Prelude and fugue in B minor
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
Three choral preludes: in E flat major, in G minor, in G major
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 26-10-1964
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in A minor
4 choral preludes
Toccata, adagio and fugue in C major
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in E major
Prelude, fugue and variations
Choral fantasy in A minor
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 13-10-1964
Programme :
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ, string orchestra and timpani
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Saulius Sondeckis, conductor
Concert in Riga, the Dom Cathedral, 08-03-1964
Programme :
V.Lubeck
Prelude and fugue in E major
J.S.Bach
Sonata in C minor
L.van Beethoven
Under Memoral Stone
A.Caldara
Where Sun Beam
J.S.Bach
Twochoral fantasy
Trio in A major
Choral fantasy
Choral variations
F.Schubert
Double
V.Bellini
Aria
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in A minor
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 18-02-1964
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
Sonata in C minor
Toccata and fugue in D minor
Three choral preludes
Canonical variations
Passacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 02-02-1964
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Concerto for organ and orchestra in G minor, No. 1
Concert in Tallinn Philharmonic, 29-09-1963
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Concerto for organ in G minor, op. 4 No. 1
conductor N.Jarvi
Concert in Tallinn Philharmonic, 28-09-1963
Programme :
Vivaldi - Bach
Concerto in A minor
J.S.Bach
Pastoral
Prelude and triple fugue in E flat major
Six choral preludes
Pasacaglia and fugue in C minor
Concert in Leningrad, the M.Glinka Hall, 30-03-1963
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Three choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
C.Franck
Choral fantasy in A minor
Prelude, fugue and variations
M.Reger
Introduction and Passacaglia in D minor
Concert in Moscow, the Small Conservatory Hall, 15-12-1962
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Concerto for organ and orchestra in F major
Moscow Chamber Orchestra, conductor Barshay
Concert in Riga, the Dom Cathedral, 30-09-1962
Programme :
Vivaldi - Bach
Concerto for organ in D minor
A.Vivaldi
Symphony No. 3 in G major
Manfredini
Symphony
G.F.Handel
Concerto for organ op. 6 No. 4 in F major
C.Franck
Prelude, fugue and variations
M.Reger
Introduction and pasacaglia
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Saulius Sondeckis, conductor
Concert in Minsk Philharmonic, 23-08-1962
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in D minor
Five choral preludes
Sonata No. 2
Prelude and fugue in C minor
Concert in Riga, the Dom Cathedral, 29-07-1962
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in E flat major
Choral preludes in A minor, in A major, in F minor
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Pasacaglia and fugue in C minor
Choral prelude in G minor, in G major
C.Franck
Choral in A minor
Concerts in Vilnius and Kaunas Philharmonics, 02-03-04-1962
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Sonata in D major
W.A.Mozart
Sonata in B flat major
B.Smetana
Duet for violin and piano "Home Land"
C.Franck
Sonata in A major
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 05-06-1961
Programme :
F.Poulenc
Concerto for organ and orchestra and timpani
The first performance in Moscow
Moscow Chamber Orchestra, conductor P.Barshay
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 17-01-1961
Programme :
Bach-Vivaldi
Concerto in D minor
J.S.Bach
Three choral preludes
Passacaglia BWV 582
D.Shostakovich
Prelude and fugue in C major
Aleksandrov
Aria from classic suite
Milman
Serenade, musical moment
C.Franck
Choral in A minor
Concert in Moscow, the P.Tchaikovsky Hall, 30-11-1960
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Prelude and fugue in E major
Three choral preludes
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Ch.Gluck
Aria
E.Grieg
Solveiga's Song
F.Schubert
Ave Maria
M.Reger
Introduction and passacaglia
Concert in Moscow, the Conservatory Small Hall, 16-06-1960
Programme :
L.van Beethoven
Sonata No. 8, in C minor
Sonata No. 32, in C minor
F.Chopin
Ballad No. 1 in G minor
F.Schumann
Kreisleriana
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 20-05-1960
Programme :
G.Pergolesi
Cantata Stabat Mater
Concert in Moscow, the Culture House, 05-10-1959
Programme :
W.A.Mozart
Fantasy in D minor
Rondo in D major
M.Ravel
Sonatina
Jeux D'eau
F.Chopin
Scherzo in B flat minor
Scherzo in C sharp minor
Lullaby
Sonata in B flat minor
Concert in Moscow, the Conservatory Small Hall, 06-05-1959
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Arias from oratorios
Concerto for trombone and organ
Largetto and grave for violin and organ
Andante fugue in G minor
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 17-12-1958
Programme :
J.S.Bach
Triple prelude and fugue in E flat major
Sonata for string quartet and organ
Aria for voice and organ
Aria for cello and organ
Prelude and fugue in A minor
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 28-10-1958
Programme :
G.F.Handel
Andante and fugue
Sonata No. 6
J.S.Bach
Prelude and triple fugue
Glazunov
Prelude and fugue in D major
E.Grieg
Two Solveiga's songs
F.Liszt
You are Beautiful Like a Flower
Like Laura's Spirit
M.Reger
Introduction and passacaglia
Concert in Moscow, the Big Conservatory Hall, 21-04-1957
Programme :
F.Liszt
Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 1
Moscow Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conductor Namsaraizav
Concert in Moscow, the Conservatory Small Hall, 27-02-1956
Programme :
W.A.Mozart
Trio for piano, violin and cello in G minor
Concert in Moscow, the House of Actors, 09-12-1955
Programme :
W.A.Mozart
Fantasy in D minor
Wagner-Liszt Isolda's Death
Concert in Vilnius Philharmonic, 11-03-1955
Programme :
Bach-Buzoni
Toccata in D minor
S.Rachmaninov
Preludes
C.Debussy
Clair de Lune
F.Liszt
Paraphrase on the theme G. Verdi Rigoletto
conductor A.Klenickis, participate students of Moscow Conservatory
A thoughtful musician, with an individuality of his own, L.Digrys is ever giving new delights to his audiences. It is in registration, in his search for new timbres and subtlest colours that he is at his best. He performs romantic organ music with a great poetic insight and feeling for colour. In the music of 17-18th centuries he brings out many psychological and emotional features which are akin to the spirit of the modern listener.
L.Roizman, Professor of the Moscow Conservatoire, "On Musical Performance", the Muzyka Publishers, Moscow, 1969
Romantic elation, determined temperament, spontaneity of inspiration and "noble intellectuality", so essential for an organist, as B.Asafiev put it, are blended in the personality of L.Digrys.
"Sovietskaya Muzyka", Moscow, 1960 No. 5
L.Digrys recital in Riga corroborated once more his prestige of one of the most accomplished Soviet organists. He displayed effortless technical mastery, versatility of registration and a subtle understanding of mood and style.
"Sovietskaya Latvia", Riga, October 3, 1962
We are all very glad and proud that the recital given by L.Digrys bespeaks once more that he is an accomplished organist virtuoso.
Professor B.Dvarionas, "Tiesa", Vilnius, May 10, 1964
His superb musicianship noted for lucidity of thought, clarity of style, his fantasy, temperament, effortless technique, versality of register colour won him the admiration of the audiences which also appreciate his sincere devotion to music.
"Sovietskaya Muzyka", Moscow, 1965 No. 8
J.S.Bach's music made up the greater part of the programme at the concert. L.Digrys displays a subtle insight into the sublime, deeply humane creations of this genius which have survived the styles, trends and fashions of all epochs and still appeal to our contemporaries. The virtuoso lightness of the technique, vivd registration, sincere and brilliant artistic temperament resulted in an original interpretation of J.S.Bach. The musician rejected an academic, conventional and austere approach to Bach. Beside the monumental grandeur of his music L.Digrys elicited its deeply humane emotionality and lyricism. His rendering was marked by a strong individuality and a perfect sense of style.
Professor Dr. J.Čiurlionytė, "Literatūra ir menas", Vilnius, August 3, 1968
Excellent music, interesting registration... superb musicianship... - those are the unforgettable impressions of the performance given by this fine organist.
"Kauno tiesa", Kaunas, September 26, 1968
We were greatly impressed by Leopoldas Digrys, who gave an enthralling display of musicianship at the Festival of Organ Music. One hears such a wealth of contrasting tone colour at an organ concert but seldom.
"Gazeta Krakowska", Cracow, Poland, February 14, 1969
The playing of the Lithuanian organists is marked by unusual intensity, by that magical serenity and perfect smoothness of sound which only the best performers of Bach can achieve. One is immediately aware of a truly individual conception. L.Digrys was, no doubt, the most interesting, not to say the most outstanding musician at the Festival.
"Ruch Muzyczny", Warsaw, Poland, 1968 No. 8
The young organist presented a perfectly accomplished performance to his audience. His effective playing rests, first of all, on his perfect command of the instrument... The favourable impression made by his vast programme lies in the organist's admirable art of interpretation.
"Luzerner Neueste Nachrichten", Lucerne, Switzerland, October 2, 1969
The Lithuanian organist Leopoldas Digrys from Vilnius has perfectly adapted himself to the acoustic and technical conditions of the Palace Church organ. He also showed that he was a musician, endowed with superb technique and continually alive to the nuances of style and beauty of tone.
"Vaterland", Lucerne, Switzerland, October 2, 1969
The first Sunday concert at Saint-Gervaiz Church was given by a perfect organist Leopoldas Digrys who performed Bach and modern music... Lucidity of the performance, sensible phrasing, clear structural pattern, ingenuity in the use of timbres were used with complete conviction in the interpretation of J.S.Bach's C minor Passacaglia and Fugue. The musician suceeded in keeping balance in his interpretation of J.S.Bach's three Chorales, which though moderately read were greatly moving and none the less expressive.
"La Tribune de Geneve", Geneva, Switzerland, October 13, 1969
Mr.Digrys performed Peter Eben's "Laudes" as an excellent musician and accomplished instrumentalist.
"Le Courrier", Geneva, Switzerland, October 13, 1969
In his interpretation of J.S.Bach L.Digrys displayed his mastery: his sovereign manual and pedal technique, his accurate comprehension of structure, his perfect command of sound potential and a fine sense of form. L.Digrys handled the instrument as a conductor handles a fine orchestra. His brilliant technique and dramatic interpretation captivated his audience which applauded him rapturously and was rewarded with several encores.
"Hudobny Život", Bratislava, April 19, 1971
Leopoldas Digrys has a faultless technique and captivates by his musicality which makes his performance unobtrusive though greatly effective. The details are polished to perfection but he never loses grasp of the entire whole of the musical work... He played with such elation and virtuosity that the audience was tumultous in applause. We hope we shall hear this outstanding organist in Bremen again.
"Bremer Nachrichten", Bremen, June 8, 1971
The recital of Leopoldas Digrys in Bremen aroused a great interest; all were eager to hear how organists play in the Soviet Union. One thing is definite - the level of musicianship displayed by the guest performer from Vilnius is afraid of no comparisons. If in the first part of his performance on J.S.Bach organ he captivated us by his superb mastery, so later the perfect rendering of "Laudes" by the Czech composer Peter Eben on the big organ of the Cathedral hightened that impression... Here Leopoldas Digrys proved that he was a real star of "Parisian organ playing"...
"Weser-Kurier", Bremen, June 8, 1971
The final concert of the Organ Festival at the Soro Church was magnificent. It closed the summer season and formed its climax... Both Soviet musicians, Leopoldas Digrys (organ) and Daniel Shafran (cello) performed Bach in a way quite different from that we were accustomed to, but did it fully convincingly.
Gunnar Frello, "Dagbladet", Soro, Denmark, 07 09 1972
At the third International Organ Festival recital in Gottingen Leopoldas Digrys appeared at the St. Jacobi organ. It is a first rank artist, his prominent technics as well as his ability to dominate by registration even over an extreme sound intensity characterized that evening when a grand organ was masterd by a grand musician...
E.Hindemann, Gottinger Tageblatt, 17 10 1972
The organ recital of Leopoldas Digrys from Lithuania was netable for its extraordinary program and its paramount playing level. ... A rare accasion - the organist won applause from the overcrowded temple...
D.H.G. Ruhr-Nachrichten, Dortmund, 22 05 1973
The organist from Soviet Lithuania Leopoldas Digrys presented himself as an outstanding Bach interpreter. He performed the Phantasy and Fugue in G minor as well as Prelude and Fugue in H minor with technical perfection and confident sense of style... Then, with extraordinary dramatic virtuosity, he rendered Julius Juzeliūnas' Concerto for Organ, written in 1969 Melodic extravagancies and modern harmonics conjoined in it to a genuine musical hurricane wich took mercilessly possession both of the attention and perception of the audience and led to a spontaneous applause.
R.J. Westdeutsche Allgemeine, Dortmund, 22 05 1973
Leopoldas Digrys from Lithuania appeared as a guest at St. Reinoldi - a vital and technically perfect organist possessing a tactful sense for sounds. He principally performed Bach's works and charmed before all by lucidity and limpidity of his poliphonic playing, by deliberate clarification of the form trends...
N.E. Westfalische Rundschau, Dortmund, 22 05 1973
During the Foreign Culture Days Leopoldas Digrys from the Soviet Union surprised once more at St. Petri Church in Dortmund - Hehensyburg by perfection of his organ playing... His exactness, motorism, rhythm and all the ofher properties which constitute the value of an organist can hardly be suprassed. But the peculliarity of this Eastern organist's art consists in his capacity to achieve on a small organ (2 manuals, 12 stops) within such narrow limits a complete lucidity not as much through contrasting sound colours as though articulation and phrasing drawn to the last consequences. So turned "Wachet auf, ruft unds die Stimme" and "Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten" to perfect probes of Baroque playing art.
Rudolf Schroder, Ruhrnachrichten, Dortmund, 24 05 1973
The pionier of organ festivals in USSR Leopoldas Digrys imposed himself to our admiration by his rendering of J.S.Bach (Phantasy and Fugue in sol-minor and six chorals from the Schubler collection) with a subtle colouring, penetration and a very beautiful internality. He managed to conjoin successfully most intense fervour and zeal.
E.Muller - Moor, Tribune de Geneve, Suisse, 15 10 1973
We knew in advance that something of full value should be expected from Leopoldas Digrys, but this distinguished artist surpassed all our expectations... Even the first measures of the Toccata in C major by the Szech Černohorski, famous Bach's contemporary, compelled our attention through the work's artistic power as well as by the brillant rendering... Leopoldas Digrys fascinated his listeners by his expressive and rich playing, technical mastership and left our Plzen deeply impressed...
"Pravda", Plzen, 18 10 1973
Leopoldas Digrys manifested before all a very accentuated temperament in Bach's Fantasy and Fugue h-moll emphasizing its superb development and majesty... Then he performed Bach's Trio Sonata Nr. 2 c-moll so resourcefully and vehemently that it could not be suprassed. P.Eben's, Laudes, an extraordinary grandiose work, made a deep impression. The artist performed it with an astounding virtuosity.
J.C.Jaccard, "24 heures", Lausanne, Switzerland, 25 10 1973
At the City High Church Leopoldas Digrys displayed his notable virtuosity and musicality to trace an independant and even self-willed artist... He was in his owaest elment when rendering the two modern works by Otmar Mascha and Julius Juzeliūnas, where the organist could expand his vitality... The recital was on edifying one thanks to the lucky harmony of church environment, the organ and the excellent soloist himself.
Westfallenpost, Dortmund, 26 10 1973
Rendering six Schubler chorals L.Digrys excelled in unusual sonorous richness and interpreted Bach's music with expressive inspiration.
G.Forsberg, "Norlenska socialdemokraten", Luleo, Sweden, 09 11 1973
The organ - playing technics of Leopoldas Digrys represent an unsurprassed summit. He is fully entitled to be called a Church Organ Paganini. It is a rare experience and aesthetic delight to observe how he handles manuals and pedals just like toys and changes veybcards with irreproachable ease and impetuous cicular movements through all the manuals... After a glamorous modern work there succeeded six Bach's organ chorals as a gratifying counterpoise and heart balsam. L.Digrys posesses an astoundingly clear phrasing and articulation as well as lucidly changing registrations.
Axel V.Sundkvist, "Vasterbottens-Kuriren", Sweden, 12 11 1973
Each of the six Bach chorals sounded in its own especial mood... Seldom did we hear Bach performed in such fascinating way. Digrys proved his ability to approach from many sides even the old Masters - his fantasy is sufficiently rich!
Ake Ganaeus, Sundsvails Tidningen, Sweden, 14 11 1973
The International Autumn Festival at St. Olov chuch tokk its end and came to its climax by the Leopoldas Digrys recital. His technically perfect and brilliant musicality, his superb ability to vary and combine the sounds - those are the attributes which make Digrys one of the best organists in Europe. After such unique experience one can really exlaim: "The organ is King of all musical instruments!"
Brigitta Erguist, Norra Vasterbotten, Sweden, 14 11 1973
