This CD was
made in 1998 to mark the centenary of the death of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It is a collection of music by composers
who were influenced by - and who, in turn, influenced - this great
organ-builder. Works by Franck, Vierne, Tournemire, Alain, Gigout
and Messiaen allow C-C’s full palette of tone-colour to be
explored.
Nicole Morelle
provides notes to her programme in both French and quite delightful,
if occasionally idiosyncratic, English. These give insight into
the immense care taken in the decision to use this organ and
in the choice of pieces. Mme Morelle wishes us to hear what the
builder and composers themselves would have heard. To this end,
she has engaged in much historical and musicological research
and she gives highly competent and evocative performances, ending,
in the best tradition, with a seven-minute extemporisation of
her own. It comes as a surprise to learn that she is not a full-time
professional organist. After achieving high qualifications as pharmacist
and biologist, she worked as an industrial manager - and wrote
novels as a side-line!
The instrument at Angers cathedral, in the Loire valley, some 300km
from Paris, seems undeservedly little-known outside France. The
booklet is informative on its history, though in the printed
specification, registers of récit and pédale have
become interchanged. Forty-seven of its 65 speaking stops
are by Cavaillé-Coll and the additions of 50 years
ago seem entirely happy. Despite the need for a complete restoration
at the time of the recording, it is a joy to the ear. Much credit
must go to Yves Sévère, who cares for it; if only
all organs were so beautifully prepared for recording as this.
It is a disc many lovers of the French school will appreciate
and enjoy.
Programme:
