Widor. Finale from the Symphony No 2. Cavaillé-Coll Organ of St. Ouen. Gerard Brooks.

[ds1868]

@notredameswarrior1 Not restored yet as far as I'm aware. But if funds were available there would be a very stringent tendering process as to who would get the job. It wouldn't go to an American firm. It's a 100% French organ and it would need to be restored very sympathetically to maintain its resounding integrity. In any case, the French are very protective of their history and assets: all French ecclastical buildings and contents belong to the French State.

[lllmozartlll]

@ds1868 ....The Cavaillé-Coll at St. Ouen is regularly maintained by the renowned organ builder Denis Lacorre and his team. The organ's sound quality is absolutely wonderful, as recent concerts and recordings prove beyond any doubt. There is no need for a comprehensive restoration, which would inevitably lead to undesirable changes of this irreplaceable historic and authentic instrument. The city of Rouen, owner of the organ, provides the funding for the maintenance works.

[ds1868]

@lllmozartlll Who mentioned a 'comprehensive' restoration? In any case, it is quite possible to 'restore' whilst leaving the integrity of any instrument intact. By 'restore' I mean a thorough clean and attention to the action and bellows. This is inevitable even at St Ouen, where bats and pigeons are shitting everywhere - especially all over the organ case. And if you don't believe the chamades need attention then you're no musician - they're fucked, especially in the treble.

[lllmozartlll]

@ds1868 We all know that repairs are necessary and that these are being carried out on a regular basis. I had contacted Mme Morisset-Balier with some questions about the organ in general, and specifically had asked for information as to who does the maintenance, what restorations are needed in the future and who provides the funding. I could not think of a more competent person to answer my queries. The text below is a summary of Mme Morisset's letter of reply I received 2 weeks ago.

[notredameswarrior1]

@ds1868 it sounds like they are just letting it go. I think if this organ ever got ruined where it couldnt play anymore i think i would cry for idk how many days straight. this is my favorite organ. If I had the money I would donate how much they need to get this organ back to it's full playing. Or till its back in it's mint condition. I just don't understand why they are just letting that happen it sickens me. This is one of the greatest if not the greatest instrument on Earth.

[lllmozartlll]

@notredameswarrior1 ....Hi Eric, there is nothing seriously wrong with that organ. It is in a very good condition and very well looked after and repairs are carried out if deemed necessary. I attended a concert 6 months ago, absolutely stunning! Anyway, Mme Morisset and many others would raise the alarm immediately should there be something wrong, you can be sure of that. We appreciate your concern, but now stop worrying and stressing please. Thank you. Regards, Raphael

[MarkHarmer]

Still love it - what at STONKING sound!!!

[ds1868]

@notredameswarrior1 Roman Catholic Abbey church. Building commenced 1318, but not completed until the sixteenth century. Plenty of medieval churches in Rouen, with the enormous Cathedral just 10 minutes walk from St Ouen. For genuine history and culture, you need to leave the USA and travel to Europe.

[MarkHarmer]

It's a beast!

[MrBooker39]

A superb performance! The recording engineer deserves congratulations as well. I like the fact that the tempo is deliberate enough to allow the majesty of the piece to blend with the fireworks!

[peteacher52]

@MrBooker39 Well said - excellent comment. Now I don't have to make one up myself!

[poopingeneral]

there was nearly 9 seconds of reverberation at the very end of this song, on the very last chord/segment. INCREDIBLE POWER!

[vleermuisje2]

Niet overtuigend gespeeld. Wat tempoverschillen en wat haperingen.

Ook de registratie is niet geweldig (jammer genoeg).

Mijn voorkeur gaat toch uit naar Ben van Oosten en Daniel Roth (beiden van wereldklasse).

Doet echter niets af aan de fantastische muziek die Charles Marie Widor schreef.

[GJmusique]

@vleermuisje2

Het is in dit stuk niet goed hoorbaar, maar bij andere stukken hoor ik bij Gerard Brooks kleuren uit Rouen komen die ik bij andere organisten hoor. Die gebruiken vaak vaste combinaties. Brooks gaat heel creatief om met de verschillende klanken. Ik vind zijn spel wat minder perfect, en daardoor wat levendiger. Van Oosten speel heel strak. Brooks zit een beetje tussen Roth en Herman van Vliet in, m.i.

[ds1868]

Well, Gerard Brooks does it again. A really crisp and clear delivery and recording. Love it. Thanks for posting.