The Organ
Magazine www.theorganmag.com
November 2000
Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) was perhaps the greatest
composer of the uniquely French genre, the Noël – a catchy set of
variations on well known Christmas melodies of the time. So popular were
the Noëls in the early 18th century that it is reputed Balbastre was
banned from performing his own because of the public disruption that
resulted! Oh that organ music could have such an effect these days.
As was typical with classical French organ music, Daquin
stipulates quite strictly exactly which stops are to be used, and even the
titles enlighten the listener as to what will be heard, be it a dialogue
between two cornets, or a fiery Grand Jeu. Fisk's Op 85 at Stanford
Memorial Church is an organ that allows these 'recipes' to be followed
almost exactly to the letter. Despite being principally North German in
style, there is more than sufficient French stops and character to make
the organ perfectly at home with the colourful repertory. The Great
comprises two trumpets, a German Trommeten and a French Trompette. The
Rückpositive has a plumby Cromorne which features strongly according to
Daquin's wishes, and there are two extremely French sounding Cornets on
the Great and Seitenwerk. All in all a highly versatile instrument, which
sounds absolutely superb, much aided by the 24 bit recording.
Robert Bates performances are exceptionally fine,
suitably grand and pompous for the thunderous Grand Jeu passages,
sympathetic and lyrical for the quieter Noël sur les Flûtes. I can think
of no better advocate for this appealing music than Bates, who specialises
in this repertory.
Daquin's Noëls are not uncommonly heard these days, but
the chance to possess the complete set provides added incentive to
purchase this excellent disc. The possibility that such a collection may
prove to be too much of a good thing is addressed by the composer himself,
who carefully intersperses the twelve Noëls with three which are written
in carefully wrought trio-texture. Thus, variety is ensured, and the
result is a disc that is highly addictive. With time rapidly marching
towards Christmas, this excellent disc will be an ideal addition to your
shelves.
The Tidings - California
December 2000
The sheer joy of these tuneful and creative little
variations on Christmas noels is admirably conveyed on this disc of music
by French composer Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772). Organ variations on
well-known Christmas noels were a prominent and popular feature at
Midnight Mass in 18th century France. That the Archbishop of Paris at the
time actually banned performances of noels one Christmas due to rowdy
public reaction suggests that they may have been a bit too popular! Robert
Bates plays these little gems on the organ at Stanford University.
