Poulenc: Concerto for Organ, Strings and Timpani & Cochereau: Organ Improvisations

Dive into the world of French organ virtuoso Pierre Cochereau with this captivating 1970 album, a blend of masterful compositions and improvisations that showcase his extraordinary talent. The album opens with Francis Poulenc's iconic Concerto for Organ, Strings, and Timpani in G Minor, a work that Cochereau premiered in 1939 and advised on the registrations for. This six-movement concerto is a testament to Poulenc's unique voice and Cochereau's ability to bring it to life.

But the album doesn't stop at Poulenc. Cochereau's own improvisational skills take center stage in the second half, with an "Improvised Symphony in 4 Movements" and an "Improvised Prelude, Fugue and Variation." These pieces offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a master improviser, as Cochereau weaves complex structures and harmonies on the spot. The album's duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes provides ample time to immerse yourself in Cochereau's world, from the structured beauty of Poulenc's concerto to the spontaneous brilliance of Cochereau's improvisations. This album is a testament to Cochereau's skill and his significant contributions to the organ repertoire.