Nurturing The Notre Dame Cavaille-Coll Organ.

[Corno Dolce]

Here is a five part series about caring for the organ of Notre Dame de Paris - Yes, its in French but one can still get the gist of whats going on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usf4O...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aDlO...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMwq7...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZuvH...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQir9...eature=related

[pcnd5584]

Thank you for posting these links - the film is fascinating.

[Soubasse]

This was broadcast on TV down here (Australia) many years ago and I fortunately managed to set the VCR correctly - I still have it somewhere on VHS. I'm sure the narrative in the version I have is dubbed in English (or has subtitles).

It's a most revealing documentary and I was probably as surprised as I was delighted to see it receive an airing in this country of Philistines. The only downside for me was Lefebvre's improvisation(s) - for all of it's undisputed technical mastery, I had immense difficulty appreciating it. On the upside were the many behind-the-scenes views of the organ and the gallery, and the image of the console "ascending to the heavens" is one that stays for quite some time! (I wonder what I would have been like to have been playing it at the time?! )

[pcnd5584]

... The only downside for me was Lefebvre's improvisation(s) - for all of it's undisputed technical mastery, I had immense difficulty appreciating it. ...

To be fair, this film does not show him at his best - particularly the final improvisation. He appears to be panting with effort at one point and the music is, as you say, difficult to appreciate.

This is better, although in pastiche style.

I have heard (and watched) Léfèbvre improvise at Nôtre-Dame de Paris on a number of occasions, usually whilst leaning against the case and looking over his shoulder and can honestly say that he is a superb improviser.

[Soubasse]

This is better, although in pastiche style.

Ah yes, I saw that one after following some of the other YT links from the Notre Dame clips and it is indeed, as one of the comments says "Splendide!" Most authoritative playing.

I have heard (and watched) Léfèbvre improvise at Nôtre-Dame de Paris on a number of occasions, usually whilst leaning against the case and looking over his shoulder and can honestly say that he is a superb improviser.

Now you're just making me jealous!

[Corno Dolce]

Having had the privilege of getting to know the Maestro's Latry and Lefebvre and their mastery of organ improv, I'm still more keyed into Latry's style - I guess its just a matter of taste - I'm more into this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSxVO...related&fmt=18

No, I haven't met Maitre Leguay but have heard him in concert.

In re to the organ - Maitre Cochereau used those *Boisseau Chamades* to such an extent that very few organ lovers know the Notre Dame CC soundcanvas without them - they are like *integral* to the Fortissimo soundscape. Yes, even I get a rise out of them.

Humbly,

CD

[Soubasse]

Yes, even I get a rise out of them.

I say, steady on there old chap - cold shower coming your way via express post! (resisting the temptation to say "down boy down" was difficult I can tell you, even though I just said it and shouldn't have)

I'm more into this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSxVO...related&fmt=18

I've had that one bookmarked for quite some time - magic eh?

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha Soubasse,

No worries, mate! We have known each other on this Forum for awhile now so you can express yourself freely towards me. You are a professional so feel free to make any comments you want in any thread where I am participating, ok? Yeah, the Latry vid is superbly magical - makes me wish I had his *musical mind.*

Humbly,

CD

[pcnd5584]

Having had the privilege of getting to know the Maestro's Latry and Lefebvre and their mastery of organ improv, I'm still more keyed into Latry's style - I guess its just a matter of taste - I'm more into this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSxVO...related&fmt=18

This is certainly a good improvisation.

I can also recommend Pierre Pincemaille (Organiste Titulaire, Abbatiale de S. Denis), who is himself a superb improviser. He has made several CD recordings of his improvisations and has also recorded the complete organ works of Franck and Widor.

In re to the organ - Maitre Cochereau used those *Boisseau Chamades* to such an extent that very few organ lovers know the Notre Dame CC soundcanvas without them - they are like *integral* to the Fortissimo soundscape. ...

CD

It is true that Cochereau liked to use the chamades - even when playing the music of JS Bach. They were necessary in that large building, in order to help the sound of the tutti project down the long nave.

[Contratrombone64]

Fascinating stuff, really interesting. I really love the stops used at the very beginning, the bass clarinet (is it?)

[Soubasse]

That's an interesting point you just made pcnd, I hadn't quite thought about it that way. My first ever vinyl of JSB was Cochereau at Notre Dame and I was amazed at how often the chamades came in to play. I was at first somewhat critical of this, but I listened to that disc again a few months ago for the first time in many years and with the hindsight of a more open mind, in essence I feel that Cochereau took these JSB works to a blazing new height with his interpretations, regardless of the historical or academic innacuracies of his registrations (and that's another topic altogether). Still quite exciting stuff to listen to - even if the reeds weren't properly tuned for the recording. I was also conscious of some background traffic noise, but that's never really bothered me because it gives a better impression of standing in the building.

Have heard Pincemaille playing and improvising and I agree, he is a most excellent performer.

I guess my high opinion of Latry is somewhat coloured by my oh so strong memories of watching him play - from memory - a recital which concluded with what was for me the most overwhelmingly authoritative and gut-wreching performance of Jehan Alain's Trois Danses. That work is - for me personally - the most important in the repertoire and seeing this young Frenchman playing it with so much fervour and passion almost made me believe that I was watching some sort of reincarnation of Alain himself (or that Latry was at the very least channeling him perhaps!!). I was physically trembling by the time he played the last chord. Then as an encore, he plays a phenomenal improvisation on the "Old 100th". I felt I'd found heaven, and it was fascinating meeting him afterwards - a quietly spoken and almost humble chap, for us anyway.

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha Soubasse,

I would really fancy a recording of Latry playing the *Trois Danses* by Alain in Notre Dame.

Cheers,

CD

[acc]

To be fair, this film does not show him at his best - particularly the final improvisation. He appears to be panting with effort at one point and the music is, as you say, difficult to appreciate.

I actually quite liked this improvisation upon hearing it for the first time here: https://cid-ce6e2579f6cb867b.skydriv...tion%20DVD.mp3.

Given the unrelenting perpetuum mobile at delivish speed, no wonder his strain under the effort is showing!

I can also recommend Pierre Pincemaille (Organiste Titulaire, Abbatiale de S. Denis), who is himself a superb improviser. He has made several CD recordings of his improvisations and has also recorded the complete organ works of Franck and Widor.

I can certainly second the recommendation of Pierre Pincemaille as an improviser. On the other hand, I'm afraid I don't like his Widor too much. It's a bit on the rash side, with too many details that are not worked out as well as they could have been. Some of his other recordings are much better, in my opinion, e.g. his Stravinsky transcriptions at the Studio 104 organ (when it was still in that location!).

[acc]

Having had the privilege of getting to know the Maestro's Latry and Lefebvre and their mastery of organ improv, I'm still more keyed into Latry's style

Then no doubt you'll like this: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=...an&view=videos.

[Corno Dolce]

Aloha acc,

Well bless your sweet little heart - A million and one thanx for your kindness.

Humbly and Respectfully yours,

CD