When I attended, it was an AGO sponsored event, an acronym for the American Guild of Organists.
I seem to remember each player receiving a melody. They then had to create a three or four movement work dedicated to utilizing that melody throughout their work.
In addition, they had to showcase certain music forms, such as a sonata form, fugue, a passacaglia, and some others.
The soloists hop onto their seat, and away they go. I can't remember if they were given time to sketch out ideas, but my gut says no.
This probably isn't how Pierre Cochereau is known for his renowned improvisatory skills, but it certainly sets the scene for such occasions.
I have no problem with the playing, the sonics, nor the registration choices. I respect the dedicated transcribing Jeremy Filsell accomplished for this recording.
But, I just don't like the music... It is hard on the ears. And so, this recording does not get aired out and probably should be tossed. For, every time I revisit this, I am not enthusiastic.
A review from 2015
The now defunct ASV recording label issued some pretty good pipe organ recordings, most of them Widor’s organ symphonies. This CD seems to be more of a passion project of organist Jeremy Filsell (the performer on this recording) to transcribe from audio tapes and then perform the improvisations of the great organist Pierre Cochereau. If you have never sat in on an official Guild improvisation, an organist is given a melody or a musical passage and essentially improvises a certain length performance based on the given music, usually exploring given musical styles, the range of the instrument, and various tempos and modalities. As you might expect, the end result can be hit or miss, especially with transitions, but Cochereau was a master of the instrument and Filsell has picked his favorites to transcribe and perform. The music itself takes a listen or four to appreciate for the newbie, but some of it personally does not work for me; personal taste will always dictate whose improvisational style is preferred, so preview first if you are unfamiliar with this music.
The obvious question is why not just listen to Cochereau’s own recordings since he lived until 1984 and has his improvisations on record? ASV has a few positives going for it: excellent digital sound, an uber-dedicated fanboy performer, and an excellent instrument. The Liverpool Cathedral organ will never be Notre Dame, but Filsell does an admirable job of matching Cochereau’s French organ stops, and his pure passion for this music is evident. ASV has done a superb job capturing this instrument in its space and is sonically excellent. Still, it seems easier and more authentic to listen to Cochereau himself, probably most comparable on his Noel Improvisations recording. However, if you don’t have these particular improvisations, this is an easy recommendation. I still urge everyone to seek out Filsell’s complete Dupre recordings and ASV’s Widor Set, not to mention Cochereau's own recordings.
Works
La Marsellaise (2.08)
La Marsellaise Improvisation (7.19)
Adeste Fideles Variations (10.44)
Improvisation Symphony (27.42)
Alleluia de Paques (6.19)
Scherzo Symphonique (7.50)
Performer
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Jeremy Filsell, organist
Label: ASV
Year: 2001
Total Timing: 62.51
This one isn't for me.
I love organ music, and improvisation fascinates me.
I don't love this organ music, and I don't find these improvisations fascinating.
Could this be for someone?
Yes, yet you can hear the master Cochereau himself. Filsell obviously did.
Find more Cochereau recordings HERE!
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