Vierne

[Contratrombone64]

Now, without doubt Vierne's 6 symphonies are sublime. I own a couple of recordings (I need a life): Ben van Oosten (French organ), Martin Jean (my favourite American at Yale), Jeremy Filsell (Ouen, Rouen).

I'm up for a new set - any recommendations? maybe some of the organ virtuosi here (Frederik or Krumhorn) have recorded their own versions?

[Krummhorn]

Hi CT64,
Virtuosi? Me? Hardly ... Although I absolutely love Vierne's organ works, I never took the time to learn the symphonies. Now, it's much too late, nor do I have access to an organ that is needed to do Vierne's Symphonies justice.

As for recordings, I'll have to research which ones I have.

[Caddis]

Hi C.T. 64
I have a superb set by Christine Kamp (Festivo),4+5th symphonies Vol.1 St.SerninToulouse,3+6th Vol.2,1+2nd Vol. 3 St.Ouen Rouen.The Messe solennelle for choir and two organs Op. 16 from Vol.3 is superb.I also have the Ben van Oosten and Martin Jean recordings.How good is the Jeremy Filsell recording,compared to Ben van Oosten?There's also a set from Notre Dame Paris,but I can't remember the name of the organist.
New Years greetings from a hot 38c Karoo

[Contratrombone64]

Where in the dickens is Karoo (Australia??) ... and thanks for the tip off about Christine Kamp. Yes - I agree with you about Jeremy Filsell, for an Englishman he certainly "gets" Vierne.

[Caddis]

The Karoo is an area in South Africa,I live in Canarvon.I don't know about Sydney,but the heat here is getting unbearable.

[Contratrombone64]

Caddis - I see, yes, our summers can be horrendous, too. Though, this year it's not been anything but "average" so the days have been warm to hot but not unbearable.

[giwro]

If you don't mind the frequent blasts from the chamades on high, Pierre Cochereau's recording at Notre Dame de Paris is fun. He does take occasional liberties with registration, but his playing is NEVER dull. LOL

- G

[Caddis]

Hi Giwro
Thanks for helping out,Pierre Cochereau was a bit conservative concerning registration,
but he had a flawless technique.So far I know J.P.Lequay has'nt recorded a complete set Vierne symphonies.

[Contratrombone64]

I received an email from the esteemed Mr. Martin Jean (Yale) when I asked him if he had used the 64' resultant stop on that wonderful instrument, he informed me he did, in the last movement of the 6th symphony only. I'll listen to it again and try and hear the rumble. He also told me its affect was "ok" and nothing as good as the real thing, like at the Town Hall. One day I hope he'll visit Sydney and play it in person.

[Caddis]

Hi C.T. 64
Thanks for the info on the 64' stop.Does Vierne's original score have any reference to a 64' stop to be used in 6th Symphony final?

[Serassi1836]

Just yesterday I heard in a concert the final of the 1st Vierne's symphony. Very good.

[Contratrombone64]

Caddis - Vierne doesn't mention any 64' stops in his work, however, as he played in the States at a time, I'm sure he must have played a faux one at Wanamaker or maybe even a real one at Atlantic City, but I just don't know.

Vierne didn't come to Sydney but other famous French early 20th century organists did.

[Soubasse]

Aye - Dupre for one and he apparently really liked it (He also liked the old Adelaide Town Hall organ before it was butchered).

Last time I heard any Vierne perfomed, it was Wayne Marshall, who managed to polish off the Final from #1 in under 4 minutes (yes boys and girls, WITHOUT edits!!! ???? It was SO fast I missed the fun bits).

Must look for some of the aformentioned recordings. Thanks for the info chaps.

[Contratrombone64]

Wayne Marshall, was he doing this to proove he could be "the fastest" at it? I can't see the point!!