Gerard Carter speelt César Franck Cantabile - 1890 Puget Organ

Gerard Carter plays the Cantabile by Cesar Franck (1822-1890) on the Théodore Puget, Père et Fils organ at Kincoppal-Rose Bay Chapel, Rose Bay, Sydney. This historic two manual, thirteen stop, French symphonic organ was built in France in 1890 and installed in the Sacred Heart Convent at Bordeaux. It was sent out to Rose Bay Chapel in 1904 and installed in 1906. For the fascinating story behind this organ see the annotations to my recording of Franck's Chorale no. 3. Further information on the Puget organ, including a stoplist, is on the Sydney Organ Music Society website.

The Cantabile was written to mark the opening in 1878 of the new four-manual Cavaille-Coll organ at the Palais du Trocadero in Paris. The Fantaisie-Idylle, Cantabile and Piece Heroique were premiered by the composer at that series of afternoon concerts. Curiously enough, Franck's original manuscript, which has turned up in recent years, shows that Franck used the tremulant with the return of the trompette solo in the Cantabile although it is not prescribed in the published edition. The 'Trois Pieces' are contrasted in mood and style. The Cantabile's mood of serene anxiety is heightened by Franck's melodic, harmonic and contrapuntal skills with a tense pedal point being followed by an exquisite canon.

The tempo that I used in the Cantabile is faster than is customary but it is actually the same as that indicated by the metronome marking in Franck's own hand which turned up in the late 1990s.

The Puget organ was converted to electric action by Mr Sidney Thomas Noad in 1960 but was completely rebuilt in 2011 to restore it to its original condition. The photo of the pipework of the Puget organ is used with the kind permission of Pastor de Lasala. The image of Franck at the original console of the Ste Clothilde organ is taken from the celebrated portrait by Mme Rongier.

The Cavaille-Coll organ on which Cesar Franck and other celebrated organists played at the Palais du Trocadero was removed in 1937 at the time the Trocadero was demolished and replaced by the present Palais de Chaillot. The organ has since been moved twice and is currently in the Auditorium Maurice Ravel in Lyon. A number of stops have been added and some existing ones have been revoiced.

The present recording on the Puget organ was made in 1987.

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[tormus1]

Interesting to hear the pre-restored Puget. After restoration it sounds magnificent. Gerard, thanks for this sound from the archives.

[PhillipLWilcher]

Such a wonderful composer.

Transcendent and true.

I loved listening to this Gerard.

Thank you!

[KarlNerman]

Yes, there is a lot of beauty and mystery in this. Thanks for sharing!

[guruofpiano]

Excellent as always my friend, thumbs up.  G.

[Barisof]

Magical ...

[gabrieletomasello]

delightful sound and deep musical thought.

[blueyoyi]

The sound is mellow, gentle and soothing.... excellent playing.

[mrSymphonic]

Very nicely played!

[hotsickle]

@OldRabit there must be an echo in here....

[hotsickle]

Superb Gerard !