Koechlin: Organ Works

Dive into the rich and intricate world of Charles Koechlin's organ compositions with this comprehensive collection of his organ works. Released in 2011, this album showcases the masterful skill of Koechlin, a composer who, unlike his contemporaries, did not confine his organ works to a specific organ type, allowing for a diverse and expansive sonic landscape.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album features 24 tracks that highlight Koechlin's versatility and depth as a composer. From the contemplative "Choral in F Minor, Op. 90bis" to the lively "Organ Sonatine, Op. 107, No. 3," each piece offers a unique perspective on Koechlin's musical genius. The album includes a variety of compositions, such as vocalises, chorals, fugues, and sonatinas, providing a well-rounded exploration of Koechlin's organ repertoire.

Born in Paris, Charles Koechlin was influenced by a multitude of composers, including Fauré, Franck, Bizet, Saint-Saëns, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. This album, performed by Christian Schmitt, captures the essence of Koechlin's compositions, offering listeners a chance to experience the full range of his musical expression. The recording, made at the Marktkirche Hannover, benefits from the church's renowned acoustics, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.

Whether you are a seasoned fan of Koechlin's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights. The meticulous attention to detail in each piece, combined with Schmitt's masterful performance, makes this album a standout in the realm of classical organ music.

Charles Koechlin was a French composer, teacher, and musicologist who navigated the musical currents of the late 19th and mid-20th centuries with a deeply personal and independent style. Born in Paris in 1867, Koechlin's eclectic compositions blend Romanticism, Impressionism, and Orientalism, reflecting his diverse influences and passions. A pupil of Gabriel Fauré, Koechlin's music is known for its complexity and innovation, often featuring bitonality and near-atonality. His works span a wide range of genres, including symphonies, operas, songs, and chamber music. Among his notable compositions are "Les Heures persanes," a set of piano pieces inspired by Pierre Loti's novel "Vers Ispahan," and "The Seven Stars Symphony," a seven-movement symphony dedicated to popular film stars of the 1930s. Koechlin's extensive body of work, though not widely published during his lifetime, has left a lasting impact on French music. His influence extended beyond his compositions to his teaching, as he mentored many younger composers, including members of the influential group "Les Six." Koechlin's passion for music was matched by his enthusiasm for various other interests, from medieval music and the works of Rudyard Kipling to film stars and outdoor pursuits. His legacy endures as a pioneer of polytonality and a master orchestrator, celebrated for his unique voice in the world of classical music.