Fri Aug 11, 2017 3:34 am
I downloaded the demo of Esztergom and was somewhat underwhelmed by it. Also, it has a huge acoustic, which can be problematic for clarity. I've not played the full sample set, so I can't comment further. On the strength of the demo, tempered by the price, I chose not to purchase it. I know that many users of this sample set adore it, but I'm not one of them.
I purchased Rotterdam when it was released, and can attest to it being truly outstanding. It's not just large, but immensely versatile. It has it all - clarity, grandeur, colour, dignity, sparkle - and can turn this way and that in what I regard as a convincing fashion. It does lean towards the baroque, but there's still plenty of warmth and power. Full Swell on this instrument is a potent force.
It's interesting that I bought the Rotterdam sample set within days of attending the 40th anniversary recital on the wonderful Von Beckerath organ at the University of Sydney in December 2012. I see remarkable similarities between the two instruments.
Bearing in mind the limits to my thoughts about Esztergom, I would recommend Rotterdam. However, if you don't already have it and your preferred repertoire doesn't require a Swell division, first check out the glorious sounds of the Poblet instrument from Organ Art Media. This amazing instrument retains its clarity in a huge acoustic.
Andrew