Search - Pierre Cochereau, David Briggs :: Improvisation- The Illusionists' Art - David Briggs plays transcribed improvisations by Cochereau on the Organ of Truro Cathedral

Do organ recordings get better than this?

Nancy Wiley | 04/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! I am rendered speechless by this recording of recordings. David Briggs is, of course, a world-renowned organist, and his performance on this CD does nothing but justify that reputation. The organ of Truro is one of the greatest organs built by "Father" Willis (I would say THE greatest, but this is debatable, with organs at Salisbury and Lincoln vying for that honor), and is recorded here after a recent restoration - hence its stunningly perfect condition. I suppose this could almost be held against it in a performance of French organ music - I mean, French reeds and mixtures are almost NEVER in tune, but the Willis isn't a Cavaille-Coll, and has no need to pretend so. Having said this, I must admit that the Truro reeds are possessed of remarkable fire - almost "French" in my humble opinion. Or at least, so they sound in this unshakably Gallic repertoire. The Cochereau improvisations themselves need no recommendation. Cochereau's reputation is shining brighter than ever, and suffice it to say that the improvs selected for this recording are particularly stellar. If I seem to have gone on and on about the organ of Truro, one hearing of this CD will explain why. Every facet of the "Little Giant" is explored (except, I believe, the Tuba 8'), and the instrument is obviously capable of ANYTHING. So brightly does it shine on this disc that I would recommend it even to someone who is not usually interested in the great French school of improvisation, simply because the organ's every dimension is SUPERBLY displayed. The Ophicleide 16' is earth-shaking, rendering the "lack" of a 32' reed entirely inconsequential. Maybe some modern organbuilders could learn something from this?

The recording itself is beyond compare, capturing a breathtaking amount of audible reverberation in this very large cathedral. The full organ is awe-inspiringly powerful, yet never harsh or "too close" - more than can be said for some other recordings. Presence, however, is never sacrificed for ambience, and even the softest stops are clearly heard.

In summary, I have one thing to say about this CD: BUY IT!!!"