Gail Archer (organist)

Archer's album, The Orpheus of Amsterdam was released in 2005. The American Organist reviewed that "Gail Archer's ebullient enthusiasm for this music is clearly evident. She elicits the technical brilliance, humor and earthly and spiritual qualities inherent in the music."[6] According to American Record Guide, "she reveals herself as an organist of exemplary taste by thoughtful phrasing and articulation and imaginative, resourceful registrations".[7]

Archer released "A Mystic in the Making" in 2007. James Hildreth reviewed that "Dr. Archer plays these formidable works with authority, assertiveness and rhythmic exactitude" and that "her registrations reflect the spirit of Messiaen's coloristic requirements".[8] All Music Guide reviewed that "Archer plays with just the right combination of precision and rhythmic fluidity that the music needs to dance and soar."[9] According to Toronto Star, "Gail Archer has become one of the world's few star concert organists".[10]

Archer played the complete work of Olivier Messiaen at his centennial in 2008. Lucid Culture reviews that Archer "played all eighteen parts of Olivier Messiaen's complete Livre du Saint Sacrement with extraordinary grace and fluidity" and that the performance was "without question one of the highlights of the many concerts going on around town this year in honor of the Messiaen centenary"[11] The New York Times reviewed that "Archer played with an unflagging power and assertiveness" and "within Ms. Archer's vivid, muscular performance, in fact, were moments of striking simplicity."[12]

Archer released her album Franz Liszt: A Hungarian Rhapsody in 2011. This album was reviewed by The Diapason as "a highly recommended recording for the serious lover of the organ works of Franz Liszt." The article also stated that "it takes a great technique to play the organ works of Liszt; Gail Archer is certainly up to the task and does so brilliantly on this recording."[13]

In 2014, Archer released, The Muse's Voice: A Celebration of Women Composers. Lori Ardovino, while reviewing "Te Deum" from the album, stated that "The piece demonstrates Demessieux's knowledge of the organ's sonorous capabilities, and it provides ample opportunities for Archer to display her own dexterity, musicianship, and virtuosity". She stated that Archer "deftly navigates the various stylistic and technical requirements" associated with The Peacock's Throne.[14]

Archer released her album, A Russian Journey, in 2017. Music Web International reviewed that Archer "creates a really rousing and exhilarating performance". The article also states that "this disc introduces us to works that are rarely if ever programmed" and that "This is a must for organ lovers."[15] Gramophone reviewed that "The superb musicianship, masterly technique and programming savvy informing the American organist Gail Archer's previous Meyer Media releases prevail throughout A Russian Journey"[16] Classical Modern Music reviewed that "The performances by Gail Archer have heart and expressionist aplomb" and that the "organ version of Night on Bald Mountain is fabulous and revelatory"[17]

Archer released her recording of contemporary Ukrainian organ music album by the name of Chernivtsi in 2020. On reviewing Benedictus: Song of Zachariah from the album, New York Music Daily stated that "it is an interesting piece of music, beginning as a similarly enigmatic fanfare and warming to a chuffing rondo requiring precision as pointillistic as it can possibly get on this instrument: Archer rises to the challenge."[18]