Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Claude Balbastre's "The 4 Christmas Suites in Variations," a timeless collection of organ suites that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. Released in 1998 under the Solstice label, this album is a testament to Balbastre's mastery of the organ, offering a rich tapestry of festive melodies and intricate variations.
Comprising four suites, each with six movements, the album spans a duration of one hour and one minute, providing a comprehensive journey through Balbastre's festive compositions. The suites are filled with a variety of themes, from the joyous and lively to the contemplative and serene, showcasing the versatility and depth of Balbastre's musical genius.
The album features iconic pieces such as "Prelude" from the first suite, "Il est un petit l’ange" from the second suite, and "Divine Princesse" from the third suite, each offering a unique perspective on the Christmas narrative. Balbastre's ability to blend traditional Noël melodies with his own inventive variations creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
This album is not just a collection of Christmas music; it is a celebration of the season's rich musical heritage. Whether you are a longtime fan of Balbastre's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "The 4 Christmas Suites in Variations" offers a delightful and enriching listening experience that captures the essence of the holiday season.
1998 Solstice1998 Solstice
Tracks
Organ Suite No. 1: I. PreludeClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: II. A la Venue de NoëlClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: III. Joseph est bien marié - Mes bonnes gens attendez-moiClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: IV. Où s’en vont ces gais bergersClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: V. Ah ma voisine es-tu fâchéeClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: VI. Tous les bourgeois de ChâtresClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 1: VII. Quand Jésus naquit à NoëlClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: I. Votre bonté grand dieuClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: II. Il est un petit l’angeClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: III. Joseph revenant un jourClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: IV. Au jô deu de pubelleClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: V. Grand déi, ribon ribeineClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 2: VI. A Cei-ci le moître De tô l’univarClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: I. Qué tu grô jan, quei folieClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: II. Divine PrincesseClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: III. Ô jour ton divin FlambeauClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: IV. Quel désordre dans la natureClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: V. Vé Noel BlaizôteClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 3: VI. Fanne coraige, le diable â morClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: I. Or nous dites MarieClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: II. Je rends Graces à mon DieuClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: III. Qui a ce peu machuretClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: IV. Comment tu oze petite RoseClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: V. Laissez paître vos bêtesClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun
Organ Suite No. 4: VI. Il n’est rien de plus tendre - Si C’est pour ôter la vie / A Minuit fut fait un reveilClaude Balbastre, Eric Lebrun