Briggs & Escaich & Mallié & Baker - Homage to Cochereau - David Briggs

Album Description

"Homage to Cochereau" is a captivating organ album released in 2009, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the death of the legendary French organist Pierre Cochereau. This album brings together four renowned organists, each contributing their unique improvisational skills to honor Cochereau's legacy. David Briggs, an English organist, opens the album with a stunning improvisation on the French folk song "Alouette, gentille alouette." The album continues with Thierry Escaich, a young French composer and organist, presenting an improvised suite that showcases his virtuosic technique and compositional prowess. Loïc Mallié, another French organist, contributes a four-movement improvised suite dedicated to Cochereau, demonstrating his deep respect and admiration for the master. The album concludes with George C. Baker, an American organist, performing a ricercar on the famous chorale "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," along with other impressive pieces.

Recorded on four different organs in France, this album offers a diverse range of sounds and styles, providing a comprehensive tribute to Cochereau's enduring influence. The album's duration of 71 minutes allows for an immersive experience, with each organist having ample space to explore their improvisational ideas. "Homage to Cochereau" is not just a collection of organ pieces but a testament to the enduring power of improvisation and the lasting impact of Pierre Cochereau on the world of organ music. Whether you're a fan of choral music, Christmas music, or simply appreciate the art of organ playing, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

March 16, 2009

2009 Solstice

About David Briggs

David Briggs is a multifaceted musician whose career spans decades and genres. As a renowned organist and composer, Briggs has captivated audiences worldwide with his virtuosic performances and compositions. His extensive discography includes over 40 CDs, and his transcriptions of orchestral works and original compositions have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary organ music. Briggs' improvisational skills, heavily influenced by Jean Langlais and Pierre Cochereau, have earned him acclaim as one of the world's finest improvisers. Beyond his performing career, Briggs has also made significant contributions as a teacher, having instructed at prestigious institutions like Cambridge University. His artistic journey has taken him from his early days as a cathedral organist in the UK to his current residence in New York, where he continues to inspire and innovate. Additionally, Briggs has left an indelible mark on the music industry as a record producer, working with legendary artists such as Neil Young, Elvis Presley, and George Harrison. His work as a studio owner and songwriter further underscores his versatility and enduring impact on the music world.