Grigny: Premier livre d'orgue

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of French Baroque organ music with Nicolas de Grigny's "Premier livre d'orgue," a masterful collection released on January 20, 2023, under the prestigious Warner Classics label. This album is a testament to Grigny's virtuosity and the pinnacle of organ composition during the French Baroque period.

Comprising a Mass and five Hymnes, the "Premier livre d'orgue" was originally published in 1699 and has since been revered as one of the greatest French organ works of its time. The album spans a duration of 2 hours and 17 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Grigny's intricate and majestic compositions.

The tracklist is a rich tapestry of sacred music, featuring the Messe "Cunctipotens genitor Deus" and various hymns such as "Veni Creator," "Pange lingua," "Verbum supernum," "Ave maris stella," and "A solis ortus." Each piece is meticulously crafted, showcasing Grigny's exceptional skill in fugues, dialogues, and recits. The album also includes a "Priere pour le Roy," adding a regal touch to the collection.

Nicolas de Grigny's music has left an indelible mark on the world of organ music, inspiring even the great Johann Sebastian Bach, who transcribed Grigny's works for his own use. This album, recorded on the historic organ of the cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Poitiers, captures the essence of Grigny's compositions with unparalleled clarity and depth.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer eager to explore the rich heritage of French organ works, "Premier livre d'orgue" offers an enchanting and profound listening experience. Dive into the timeless beauty of Nicolas de Grigny's music and discover the enduring legacy of this remarkable composer.

20 januari 2023

A Warner Classics/Erato Disques release, ℗ 2023 Warner Music UK Limited

About Nicolas de Grigny

Nicolas de Grigny, a luminary of the French Baroque era, was a composer and organist whose tragically short life belied his immense talent. Born into a family of musicians in Reims in 1672, Grigny's prodigious gifts were evident from an early age. Appointed organist at Reims Cathedral at just 25, he left behind a single, seminal collection of organ works that cemented his reputation as one of the leading organ composers of his generation. Despite his untimely death at 31, Grigny's music continues to resonate, offering a profound and deeply expressive journey through the grandeur and intricacy of the French Baroque style. His works, such as the "Livre d'orgue" and "Les hymnes," remain essential listening for anyone drawn to the rich, resonant world of historic organ music.