Reactions to ‘Vierne at 150’ festival
“Taken as a whole, what was most interesting was the extent to which both the performance and the video account provided a useful introduction to Vierne’s techniques as a composer. It was particularly engaging to observer Houlihan execute ornate arpeggios on one keyboard with one hand, while the other hand unfolded a cantus firmus on another keyboard. The pedals then provided a bass line, which would often extend into a more ornate melodic line.”—The Rehearsal Studio
GRAMOPHONE Review: Christopher Houlihan Plays Bach
“Christopher Houlihan commences BWV542’s Fantasia with a delightful introductory flourish, and characterises the rippling fireworks and introspective interludes with strikingly different yet compelling timbral contrasts, topping things off with a brisk and fluent fugue. The Italian Concerto’s first two movements work surprisingly well on the organ in Houlihan’s arrangement.”
American Record Guide review of Christopher Houlihan's San Diego recital
"From its lugubrious beginning through its “terrifying” final movement, the Vierne symphony was as thrilling and engrossing as the young organist (b 1987) who played it. He is as advertised, the bright hope of the organ."