Saint-Saëns was an avid admirer of the author Victor Hugo. This piece, originally for orchestra (including eight harps), organ and choir, shows the extent of his veneration. It was performed in the Trocadero palace in the presence of Victor Hugo himself and became much appreciated.
Gerard Brooks is playing the Cavaillé-Coll organ in
the Abbaye Saint-Ouen de Rouen, Normandy, France.
Not much else to say than that this is as close to perfection you can get.
Listen to the registrations, from the clever harp effect in the beginning through the gradual build up to full organ. In St. Ouen, full organ is indeed full!
10 сен 2024