Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Pipe Organ Gigout Toccata

Pierre Cochereau shows us his dazzling dexterity as he dashes (how's that for alliteration?) through this Gigout showpiece. And he gets to demonstrate his "avalanche of sound" near the end.

The instrument has been well documented. It's based on an 1867 Cavaillé-Coll, but it has been in a near-constant state of updating/renovation/expansion ever since. It's currently a V/110/153, most recently worked on in 1992 by a whole bunch of folks.

This recording dates (I think) from the early 1970's. Disques Solstice recorded almost everything Cochereau ever played -- including his world-famous improvisations -- but I don't think this piece ever made it to CD.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Notre
• Dame
• Paris
• pipe
• organ
• orgue
• orgel
• organo
• Cochereau
• Gigout
• toccata

[chrishuffaolcom]

not attempting to dual as the visitors bureau for Paris, but until you have heard this organ played inside Notre Dame de Paris, these recordings simply do not do the sound any justice. i absolutely appreciate the opportunity to listen via utube, because it reminds me of the spine tingling sensation when i have, thanks be to God, had the opportunity to hear in person. thanks so much.

[a55b47]

@chrishuffaolcom I'll second that. Not only can you hear these overwhelming instruments much better in person, you can actually feel them breath. It's almost if there's a living thing that has taken over the building.

[dinokralt4]

this right here is quite possibly the finest video on youtube. How this only has 91000 hits while lady Gaga has some 3000000 hits is mind boggling

[a55b47]

@dinokralt4 Dino, I thought 91000+ plus was pretty good for a pipe organ video ;-). But I get your point, & appreciate the compliment.

[Elhombresombra]

Bob, may we have some detail (code #, label) of this CD? I can't miss this one...

[a55b47]

@Elhombresombra , this is from an old (& no longer available, as far as I know) LP, which I discarded after I transferred it to CD. I think it was issued by Solstice, as were most of Cochereau's recordings, but I don't know if it has ever been re-issued as a CD. The only other info. I have is that it was recorded in May of 1973.

[organfreak23]

So what if it's too fast, just listen and enjoy the awesome.

[SW1Q1]

@dinokralt4 Read more books !

[cazzie511]

LOVE THIS! A NEW PIECE FOR ME! AND A BLESSING AS WELL,CMW52,

[1026Elisabeth]

Már a látvány is önmagában fantasztikus!

[MegaDani141]

By far the best Version on YouTube.

[19Edurne]

Am I the only one thinking of the movie "Contact" around 2:00 ? The sound really reminds me the signal they get from space. Terrific piece of music !

[bluehaxor88]

I was very lucky to hear this organ play a couple of years ago during Fete de la musique. One of the most dazzling experiences of my life, and I hope to repeat the trip again someday.

Thank you for reminding me of the beautiful music I experienced.

[multimill]

@chrishuffaolcom totally agree, just got back from Paris where I heard this organ, St Sulpice and St Eustache. They are mind blowingly wonderful instruments and the buildings they are in are awe inspiring.

[Darkboy2525]

Beautifull .. wonderfull .. perfect .. amazing .... .... heavens .. what a amazing preformance

[2468HOTROD]

@dinokralt4  Right-On!

[nmp0627]

I jumped a little when the chamade kicked in. Not sure what would have happened if I were actually there.