David Briggs - Briggs & Escaich & Mallié & Baker - Homage to Cochereau (LP)

"Homage to Cochereau" is a captivating organ album released in 2009, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the death of the legendary French organist Pierre Cochereau. This album brings together four renowned organists, each contributing their unique improvisational skills to honor Cochereau's legacy. David Briggs, an English organist, opens the album with a stunning improvisation on the French folk song "Alouette, gentille alouette." The album continues with Thierry Escaich, a young French composer and organist, presenting an improvised suite that showcases his virtuosic technique and compositional prowess. Loïc Mallié, another French organist, contributes a four-movement improvised suite dedicated to Cochereau, demonstrating his deep respect and admiration for the master. The album concludes with George C. Baker, an American organist, performing a ricercar on the famous chorale "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," along with other impressive pieces.

Recorded on four different organs in France, this album offers a diverse range of sounds and styles, providing a comprehensive tribute to Cochereau's enduring influence. The album's duration of 71 minutes allows for an immersive experience, with each organist having ample space to explore their improvisational ideas. "Homage to Cochereau" is not just a collection of organ pieces but a testament to the enduring power of improvisation and the lasting impact of Pierre Cochereau on the world of organ music. Whether you're a fan of choral music, Christmas music, or simply appreciate the art of organ playing, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.