Franois Lombard at the Great Cavaill-Coll Organ of St Pierre Church, Calais
MOTETTE CD 12201
66'29"
www.motette-verlag.de

Works of Pierre Cochereau receive extraordinary performances from Franois Lombard on the mighty organ of St Pierre Church, Calais, built by Cavaill-Coll back in 1870. The instrument itself underwent further rebuilds in 1963 by Godefroy-Dubosc and, in 1985, the Trompette en chamade, was added to the Rcit expressif (56 notes) by Cogez.

I was stunned by the power of the performance in the opening Verset sur 'Ave maris Stella'; 14 more follow that leave one awe-struck by the composer's skill, flattered all the more by an organist whose own skills are simply remarkable on this recording.

Cochereau (1924-1984) is famed for his improvisatory skill and this CD leaves such an impression of the composer as to wonder why we do not hear much of him in concert. The organ is magnificent and Lombard's skill in matching Cochereau's output with that of this instrument will astound any listener. This is a recording that thrills from beginning to end, where the incredible Sortie sur "Adeste Fidelis' aptly brings seasonal thoughts in the run-up to Christmas. A must!
DA