David Briggs: Carillon improvisé aux Grand Orgue de Notre-Dame de Vimoutiers, Normandy (1899).

Communing with Cavaillé-Coll - David Briggs: Carillon improvisé aux Grand Orgue de Notre-Dame de Vimoutiers, Normandy (1899).

I'm currently in France enjoying some unbelievably wonderful Cavaillé-Coll’s, and marking the centenary of the birth of Pierre Cochereau. I don't think any other builder has ever created an organ with greater élan and sheer frisson. The reeds on this late Chef d'oeuvre (his last organ, recently restored) are absolutely incredible, even just recorded in rehearsal on an iPhone. And all in just THIRTY stops. I suggest pouring a large glass of red 🍷 (or whatever is your favourite beverage), and turn the volume right up for just 4 minutes. To improvise on an organ like this is like a dream - the sound simply gives you so much back.

This improv. is loosely based on the Carillon from the Sept Pièces of Marcel Dupre, who grew up in Rouen, not so far from Vimoutiers. This organ was opened by Alexandre Guilmant, and later welcomed both Louis Vierne and a 25-year old Pierre Cochereau, who was still at St Roch in 1949