Dupré Improvising at St Sulpice, Paris

Marcel Dupré improvising on the gregorian theme Veni Creator Spiritus on his instrument in St Sulpice. He clocked up 37 years as titulaire, though this is nothing compared to his teacher Widor, who managed 63 years in the post, leaving when he was 89! It should be noted however, that Dupré was a mere 75 years old when this recording was made :-)

The chant Veni Creator Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit Creator) has been attributed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856), it is often used on important occasions, such as a consecration of bishops and ordinations, coronations etc. It is sung to commemorate the feast of Pentecost.

This recording was made by Netherlands radio in 1961, and NCRV radio has a substantial archive available free on the web for those that want to visit, www.orgelconcerten.ncrv.nl. I 'borrowed' this one from their broadcast from St Sulpice, which has three other pieces, of which the sublime Franck fantaisie I will post later.

Dupré's improvisations were extraordinary, but perhaps a little clinical or academic for some, Vierne was heard to say upon hearing him improvise for the first time, 'That sounded composed!' He could improvise double fugues, toccatas and ricercares at the drop of a hat, and more remarkable, he said he found it rather easy! From what I can gather, this recording demonstrates a typical Dupré offering.

There are plenty more rare & interesting recordings to come...