Prélude, Adagio et Choral Varié sur le thème du "Veni Creator" op.4 - Maurice Duruflé

This video by Robert Fielding includes an audio track that he recorded live at home using the digital Hauptwerk sample set of the organ of Blackburn Cathedral, wonderfully produced by Graham Eccles and John Hosking who are; Llannerch Organs! This iconic and inspirational organ, designed by John Bertalot and Francis Jackson, was built by J.W. Walker in 1969 and rebuilt and enlarged under the guidance of David Briggs by Wood of Huddersfield between 2001 and 2002.
The video includes a number of photos of the organ used by kind permission of Llannerch Organs. Images of WW2 (7:27) reflect the Duruflé's torturous time living and working in Paris during the Nazi occupation and the joy of liberation. There are several photos of the organ and interior of Saint Étienne du Mont, Paris (10:28), where Duruflé was organiste titulaire from 1929 until his death in 1986. The plainchant segments (15:40) are from The Liber Usualis (1961) p.885.
Photos where the names of authors are known include:
(time in video in brackets)
South Transept organ case - Peter Neil (3:00)
Seraphins in lovely colour - Jeff Robinson (14:30)
Pentecoste - 'Fr.Mark' (19:34)
Holy Spirit Fire (2014) - Charis Psallo (20:05)
Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (1885) - Mikhail Vrubel (20:32)
Glass roof of the Holy Spirit in the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire (dedicated 1990) - Phillipe Lissac (21:00)
For the late Stephen Cooke - musician, organ builder, organist and huge fan of Duruflé!
RCF, Romsey UK. Pentecost, 2023.
From the website: Association Maurice & Marie-Madeleine Duruflé
www.france-org...
'Op. 4 Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur le thème du Veni Creator for organ.
Dedicated to Louis Vierne.
First Prize in composition of the Friends of the Organ of Paris, June 20, at the National Institute of Young Blind of Paris.
Editions Durand 1930.
1st audition at the cathedral of Monaco by M. Duruflé on March 3, 1931.
1st Parisian audition at the National Society of Music, Salle du Conservatoire, May 16, 1931 by Maurice Duruflé.
1st performance of the Choral varié seul by M. Duruflé in Pont-Saint-Pierre on September 19, 1926.'
Op.4 Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur le thème du Veni Creator pour orgue.
Dédié à Louis Vierne.
Premier Prix de composition des Amis de l'Orgue de Paris, 20 Juin, à l'Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles de Paris.
Editions Durand 1930
1ère audition à la cathédrale de Monaco par M. Duruflé le 3 mars 1931.
1ère audition parisienne à la Société Nationale de Musique, salle du Conservatoire, le 16 mai 1931 par Maurice Duruflé.
1ère audition du Choral varié seul par M. Duruflé à Pont-Saint-Pierre le 19 septembre 1926.

[@JRSoubasse]

This is tremendous! I haven’t been this excited for a sample set for a LONG TIME! Excellent playing. I love Duruflé and the tremendous Blackburn Cathedral organ!

[@ssyrosa]

Gratie mille!

[@robcamfield]

Thanks so much!