Release Date: 12 January 1999
Label: Naxos - Nxc / Naxos Classics
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 730099492225
Genres: Classical
Composer/Series: DUPRE
Description
Marcel Dupre(1886-1971) Works for Organ Vol. 3Descended from a family of organists and musicians, Marcel Dupre wasborn in Rouen in 1886. Taught by his father, he had his first appointment as anorganist at the age of twelve and in 1898 became a pupil of Alexandre Guilmant,his teacher at the Paris Conservatoire, with Vierne and Widor, studyingcomposition with the last and winning the Prix de Rome in 1914. Unfit formilitary service, he took the place of Vierne at Notre-Dame between 1916 and1922, during the latter's illness, and found time to study all Bach's music forthe organ, in 1920 playing in recital the complete organ works from memory,thus establishing his reputation. An international career followed, with manyrecitals throughout the world, particularly in the United States, where heexercised considerable influence. This activity he coupled with the position ofprofessor of organ at the Conservatoire from 1926, when he succeeded Eug?¿neGigout, and employment as Widor's successor as organist at the Paris church ofSt Sulpice from 1934. He served as director of the Conservatoire from 1954 to1956 and died in 1971. Equally gifted as a composer and as a performer, Duprewas a master of organ improvisation, in particular on the fine instrument at StSulpice, with an incredible command of contrapuntal extemporisation As acomposer his musical language, often polytonal and making use of colourfulclusters of notes in chords in close proximity, had a strong influence on hispupils Alain and Messiaen, continuing the great traditions of French organmusic.Dupre dedicated his Concerto in E minor for organ, Opus 31, tohis wife. The work was written in 1928. The first movement opens in grandiosestyle, with a characteristic melodic figure stated with heavy chords from theorgan, woodwind and brass. This is extended by the orchestra to a passage inwhich the soloist offers more rapid notes, in chromatic sequence, over asustained pedal-point, continued over a restatement of the first subject bybrass and woodwind. A broader transition leads to a solo passage in E major,the second subject of the movement, with registration of 8-foot Flute and8-foot Bourdon, shifting key to allow the appearance of the same melody in thecellos, a semitone higher. There is an innovative development and arecapitulation that is greatly varied. This brings yet another transmutation ofthe second subject in the flute, accompanied by organ triplet figuration, with8- and 4- foot Flute. The original key is finally restored, as vestiges of theprincipal theme return in a coda. The organ opens the slow movement, using thecharacteristic sound of the Voix celeste over an initially sustained pedalchord in C major. The orchestra continues, the French horn leading to thereturn of the soloist in accompaniment of the horn solo. The mood changes withan Allegretto in which flute and clarinet propose the beginning of amelody, over a sustained C major chord from the organ, which then takes up themelody, extending
Tracklisting
Dariia Lytvishko
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Marin Alsop
Alice Di Piazza; Basel Sinfonietta; NDR Bigband; Titus Engel
Anna Alas i Jove; Miquel Villalba
David Childs; Black Dyke Band; Nicholas Childs
Various
Various
Lully
