The organ used for this recording, at the Basilica of Saint Michael in Bordeaux, was chosen for its similar characteristics to the Saint-Séverin organ, with which Saint-Saëns had a special relationship.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Saint-Saëns believed the modern organ, as perfected by Cavaillé-Coll, required a new style that combined the old organ's basis with the rich effects of contemporary instruments.
Composition History
Saint-Saëns's improvisations were so significant that he later transcribed some of them into compositions, including parts of his First Sonata for piano and cello and his Symphony in C minor.
Recording & Production
The album features Yoann Tardivel on the Merklin organ of the Saint-Michel church in Bordeaux, built in 1869.
Performer Biography
Yoann Tardivel, the organist, won the First Grand Prize at the International Xavier Darasse Competition in Toulouse in 2008 for a program featuring Olivier Messiaen's 'Livre d'orgue'.
Composer Biography
Camille Saint-Saëns, like Mozart and Bruckner, was a regularly active organist, renowned for his liturgical improvisations and concert performances.
