Daniel Roth Improvising at Sacre Coeur

Here is Daniel Roth Improvising 'Cortege sur l'Introit' recorded in the Sacre Coeur in 1984. This is one of four improvisations he recorded for Motette, they appear in a 6CD anthology of Cavaillé-Coll organs. I noticed this one was missing from the set that a55b47 has on his channel, so though I'd upload it.

I think this distills the genius of great improvisors like Roth, able to create music from just a few musical notes. The piece is in arch form and gradually builds to a central climax with full organ back to pianissimo again, just stunning. The grand acoustic helps too, of course, as so often said the building is the single most important stop on any organ.

Enjoy...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Pipe
• Organ
• Orgue
• Orgel
• Cavaille-Coll
• Sacre
• Coeur
• Daniel
• Roth
• Improvisation

[a55b47]

You've got better Sacré Coeur pix than I have ;-)

[JFSnail]

took me ages to find them all though!

[joenwayne]

Bravo Messieur Roth, and thank you "JFSnail" for uploading this video.

5*'s

[Pedalpoint1]

I love the sound of this organ. I wonder why this organ isnt as famous as other organs.

[TheMysticalOrgan]

@stormkingfan - I have heard recently that the instrument is to undergo full restoration soon. I can't say if it's true that concerts aren't allowed! I pray that this will not be the case. I hope it will be restored and that the opportunity be taken to replicate it to replace its missing twin in Sheffield!

Pity about this dull improvisation, though. I've heard a lot of M.Roth and I really don't care for him as a performer or improviser. The organ also doesn't sound in good shape!

[samthemusicguy]

The tuning of the organ lends it a unique colour...like evening sunlight coming through the stained-glass window

[vleermuisje2]

@MegaDani141

Damit bin ich ganz einverstanden! Daar ben ik het geheel mee eens!

De klasse druipt ervan af.

Van zulke improvisaties krijg ik nooit genoeg.

[MegaDani141]

I think, that Daniel Roth and Oliver Latry are the best improvisatores ever ......

[MolnarPohdap]

This recording was released c. 1980, not 1984, as a demonstration of the sound of the organ before its restoration by Renaud. I visited Roth at Sacré-Coeur in December of 1984, and only 14 stop were playing yet!

[BigD4348]

This organ has such an incredible story to it. Started out in a baronial estate, was later removed and some of the orchestral stops were taken out and it was put into Sacre Couer (think around 1917 if I'm not mistaken). Anytime you hear a CC instrument it's an experience no doubt...

[stormkingfan]

The acoustics play a big factor in how the 32' Bombarde sounds.  I'm guessing that it's very close to the other 32' Bombardes by C-C, if not identical.

Again, I'm guessing that French builders, back then, were pretty consistent in their voicing from opus to opus.

[stormkingfan]

The doubting Thomas that I am, I asked Daniel Roth, the other day, if it was in fact true about the bad condition of this organ and he said that it is.

Well, at least D. Roth is aware of this. *shaking my head* Wish the organ had been kept up. (tsk-tsk-tsk-tsk...)

[crossbike]

stunning. wonderful.

[tjugofyra]

There is a very sad story about the CC in Sacre Coeur. They don't get any fondings for the organ since they are NOT allowed to have concerts in Sacre Coeur. The organ is now in terrible shape. The chamades which you can hear in this recording are falling to bits and so is the floor next to them! haha

It also lack some power since It was made for a much smaller room originally. Nevertheless, one incredible organ!!! The 32' bombarde is so powerful in real!