UPDATED 06/08/2008

FEATURED INSTRUMENT CONCERT   If you enjoy this concert, please donate by clicking on the button to the left! A. Cavaillé-Coll Organ, originally Paris, France, moved to Mainz, Germany (1877)- - Samples by Prof. Helmut Maier Vierne, Louis: Préambule, Op. 31, No. 1 Serenely restful composition in 12/8 showing the Fonds d'Orgue (8 foot stops). Uses the original set. Registration: Récit. Viole de Gambe 8 + Cor De Nuit 8'; G.O. Bourdon 16' + Montre 8' + Flûte Harmonique 8'; Pédale Soubasse 16' + Bourdon 8', Claviers accouplés, Tirasses [3:34] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Cortège, Op. 31, No. 2 Somewhat grotesque notions seem to haunt this funeral procession for Foundation stops and reeds of all available pitches. Uses the extended set. [3:22] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Complainte, Op. 31, No. 3 Flutes colored with the G. O. Nasard. Somewhat repetitive drone, as the title suggests. Uses the extended set. [3:27] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Epitaphe, Op. 31, No. 4 This introspective portrait of grief draws from very deep wells. For flutes and strings, with the Voix Célestes coming in about a third of the way through. Uses the extended set. [5:51] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Prélude, Op. 31, No. 5 Sweetly evokes a wistful accordion or distant carousel. Récit: Viol de Gambe 8' + Cor de Nuit 8' coupled to G.O. Flûte Harmonique (original suggestion Bourdon 8' + Salicional 8'); Pédale Soubasse 16' + Bourdon 8' coupled to both. Uses the original set. [3:33] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Canon, Op. 31, No. 6 Slightly oriental flavor introduced because of the prominent augmented 2nd interval. Uses the extended set. [2:24] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Méditation, Op. 31, No. 7 Somewhat mystical and chromatic, if one could improvise this way at will, one could win over most organist search committees. Follows Vierne's instructions literally: Récit. Gambe et Voix Célestes; G.O. Fonds de 8' (Montre 8' + Flûte Harmonique 8'); Pédale Fonds 16, 8 (Soubasse 16' + Bourdon 8') + couplers; near the end the Montre is withdrawn. Uses the original set. [4:31] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Idylle mélancolique, Op. 31, No. 8 A reassuring rhythmic motiv alternates with slithery chromaticism--it sounds more meditative than melancholy to me. Registration: Récit. Viole de Gambe 8 + Cor de Nuit 8'; G.O. Flûte Harmonique; Pédale 16 Soubasse + Bourdon 8', alternating pedal couplers. Uses the original set. [3:31] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Madrigal, Op. 31, No. 9 A charming little diversion. Registration: Récit. Cor de Nuit 8' + Flûte Octaviante 4'; G.O. Montre 8' + Flûte Harmonique 4; Pédale: Soubasse 16' + Basse 8'. In the last 4 measures the G.O. and Pédale were put in play, though this was not indicated in the score. Uses the original set. [2:14] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Rêverie, Op. 31, No. 10 Though similar in registration and technique to other meditative pieces in this collection, it is as unique as any heartbreak that could have caused it. The solo passages on the Montre are particularly expressive, the relentless slowness evokes acceptance. Uses the extended set. [4:54] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Divertissement, Op. 31, No. 11 And an insouciant little diversion it is. Uses the extended set. [2:20] Midi file available. HW1 Vierne, Louis: Canzona, Op. 31, No. 12 The last piece in Book One of Opus 31 is marked Andante cantabile, and despite instructions to use the Trompette and "G.O. Flûtes" the plaintive melody is played on the Récit. Hautbois 8' with deliciously doleful accompaniment on Pédale Soubasse 16' + Bourdon 8' + Violoncello 8' and G.O. Flûte Harmonique. Uses the extended set. [4:43] Midi file available. HW1