He got the job without any competion running first, like in Vierne;s case. But as far as I know, he had been deputizing a bit for Vierne, which counted in his favour.
It just amazes me at how powerful this organ is even when the registrations being use are soft and ethereal, like in this video. I can only imagine what this sounded like in person.
Absolutely incredible improvisation! From what I'm hearing here and in the other St Martin videos, I'd say his improvisational skill was pretty close if not equal to that of Cochereau and Vierne. The poor man is nearly completely forgotten...
Yes, at his funeral not one person was going to turn up. The entire organ elite in Paris shunned him. So it was that Marcel Dupre and Pierre Cochereau (his successor) were the only ones to attend the funeral and pay their respects. An utterly disgraceful performance by the Parisien elite, and more of a sad reflection on them, than the undoubted gifts of this organist. I have a theory that jealousy paid it's part: jealousy that he got the NDdeP job, and jealousy of his aristocratic blood!
Foundation stops 16, 8, 4 and Quinte or Plein Jeu in the Récit Expressif (Swell Division) (Box closed), Flûte Harmonique 8 on the Grand Orgue (Great Organ).
JF, I know only what I've read over the years, but the consensus seems to be that St. Martin was a less-than-illustrious filler between the geniuses of Vierne & Cochereau. This recording is, quite frankly, the first example I've ever heard of his music. It's certainly not up to the caliber of V & C, but I'm grateful to you for providing this historical document. When you're just good, & being compared with colleagues who are GREAT, you're always going to suffer. Not everyone can be a genius ;-)
He got the job without any competion running first, like in Vierne;s case. But as far as I know, he had been deputizing a bit for Vierne, which counted in his favour.
reidar1999 2 months ago
I wish there were cd;s available with St.Martin. This piece is so uplifting, one forgets when and where.
reidar1999 2 months ago
strange, sounds somewhat like the wanamaker organ!
lipsbach 8 months ago
Great! Really atmospheric and very touching...
bigt082 2 years ago
When are you going to upload the other improv and Lizst? I've been anxiously waiting!
codeman2008 2 years ago
I shall try and get them uploaded soon. me and my BIG mouth! :-)
JFSnail 2 years ago
Haha It's interesting, something about the quality of the recording makes it all the more appealing... I'd love to hear the other tracks!
codeman2008 2 years ago
It just amazes me at how powerful this organ is even when the registrations being use are soft and ethereal, like in this video. I can only imagine what this sounded like in person.
Jacobre156 2 years ago
Absolutely incredible improvisation! From what I'm hearing here and in the other St Martin videos, I'd say his improvisational skill was pretty close if not equal to that of Cochereau and Vierne. The poor man is nearly completely forgotten...
codeman2008 2 years ago
Yes, at his funeral not one person was going to turn up. The entire organ elite in Paris shunned him. So it was that Marcel Dupre and Pierre Cochereau (his successor) were the only ones to attend the funeral and pay their respects. An utterly disgraceful performance by the Parisien elite, and more of a sad reflection on them, than the undoubted gifts of this organist. I have a theory that jealousy paid it's part: jealousy that he got the NDdeP job, and jealousy of his aristocratic blood!
ds1868 2 years ago
I wish the organ was like this now.
What stops is he using do you think?
Pedalpoint1 2 years ago
This is a neat impro. At least something tonal.
@Pedalpoint1
Foundation stops 16, 8, 4 and Quinte or Plein Jeu in the Récit Expressif (Swell Division) (Box closed), Flûte Harmonique 8 on the Grand Orgue (Great Organ).
GJmusique 1 year ago
A beautifully preserved musical treasure featuring a grand instrument in one of the great cathedrals of the world.
FromHolbergsTime 2 years ago
Great Notre Dame pix, by the way.
a55b47 3 years ago
Hmm. An improvisation which which in every way lives down to St Martin's reputation.
chamade16 3 years ago
I dont know much about St Martin or his reputation, only what I have found on the web. Please tell me more :-)
JFSnail 3 years ago
JF, I know only what I've read over the years, but the consensus seems to be that St. Martin was a less-than-illustrious filler between the geniuses of Vierne & Cochereau. This recording is, quite frankly, the first example I've ever heard of his music. It's certainly not up to the caliber of V & C, but I'm grateful to you for providing this historical document. When you're just good, & being compared with colleagues who are GREAT, you're always going to suffer. Not everyone can be a genius ;-)
a55b47 3 years ago