Pierre Cochereau, Notre Dame's organist for 29 years until his death in 1984, improvised this series of variations on the old hymn tune for the cathedral's Christmas Eve Mass in 1970.
It was recorded at its single performance. Jeremy Filsell, Washington National Cathedral's Artist in Residence, transcribed it, & performs it here in a recording made in Liverpool in March 2000.
Liverpool's Roman Catholic cathedral was initially planned as a monumental project -- intended to be the largest cathedral in the British Isles. Construction on the crypt started in 1933, but World War II and the ensuing financial devastation of Europe forced a drastic curtailment in plans. The down-scaled -- but still impressive -- building was completed in 1967, and the IV/88 JW Walker instrument was installed at that time.
Thanks to Martin Doering of Die Orgelseite for many of the pictures.
BRAVOOOO!!!
mcpetropolis 3 months ago
Agreed with MrJustin's comment.... the fact that his playing of his own transcriptions sound very much like the real deal must signify that he belongs to the order of truly great musicians
samthemusicguy 5 months ago
Jeremy's reconstruction of Pierre's improvisations are spectacular in and of themselves. Add to that an incredible playing capability and we have a genius of the first order. His recording of the complete works of Dupre and Vierne speak volumes. An artist of the first order.
MrJustinkielty 6 months ago
Congratulations!!! very accurate the transcription...
ARASMEORA 7 months ago