Franck: The Organ Works
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César Frank: L'œuvre d'Orgue (SOCD 231/2) Disques Fy & du Solstice.
Pierre Pincemaille plays: Fantasie in C major op 16; Grande Pièce symphonique op. 17; Prèlude, fugue et variations op. 18; Pastorale op 19; Prière op. 20; Final op. 21; Fantasie in A major FWV 35; Cantabile; Pièce héroique; Chorales in E minor; G minor; A major. Reviewed by David Bridgeman-Sutton |
The twelve organ works of César Franck are on this disc; Six Pieces (1862); Three Pieces (1878) and the three Chorales (1890). Thus the gamut of emotion is explored, from the reflective and mystic (Prière) to the exultant (Finale). Many players have found the three Chorales a challenge. Their complex form, interweaving melodies and highly individual atmospheres require much thought. Here, the aspiring player has a master class.
The organist is Pierre Pincemaille, titulaire at the basilica of St Denis and professor at the Paris Conservatoire Supérieur. It is well-worth reading the scholarly Performer's Note to understand his general philosophy as well as the choice of registrations and tempi.
The organ is that of the Basilica of St-Sernin, Toulouse, a later (1889) and larger Cavaillé-Coll than that of Franck's St-Clotilde (1859). M. Pincemaille adheres to registrations that Franck himself would have used, except in full organ passages, where the additional resources come into their own. Organo Pleno is a thrilling sound indeed. My memory may be at fault here, but the strings of the later instrument seem somewhat keener than those of St Clotilde. What an excellent excuse to go to Paris again and find out!
The organist is Pierre Pincemaille, titulaire at the basilica of St Denis and professor at the Paris Conservatoire Supérieur. It is well-worth reading the scholarly Performer's Note to understand his general philosophy as well as the choice of registrations and tempi.
The organ is that of the Basilica of St-Sernin, Toulouse, a later (1889) and larger Cavaillé-Coll than that of Franck's St-Clotilde (1859). M. Pincemaille adheres to registrations that Franck himself would have used, except in full organ passages, where the additional resources come into their own. Organo Pleno is a thrilling sound indeed. My memory may be at fault here, but the strings of the later instrument seem somewhat keener than those of St Clotilde. What an excellent excuse to go to Paris again and find out!
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The performance is superb, for M. Pincemaille adds to his scholarship an astonishing technical competence together with an ability to stretch very wide intervals - as he demonstrated in the Prière. His tempi are, occasionally, rather faster than those to which many of us are accustomed. This was particularly noticeable in the Final where – dare one say this of so august an authority – an occasional slight pause between some phrases would have given listeners time to catch up with those perfectly controlled fingers.
These are quibbles. For those who are thrilled by the French Romantic School and its organs, this two-disc set is a must. |
Pierre Pincemaille
(photo by Roland PETIT,
kind permission of Disques Solstice)
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David Bridgeman-Sutton 2008
