Vincent Dubois, the celebrated French organist, invites you to experience the grandeur and spiritual depth of "Eternal Notre-Dame," a captivating album set for release on September 5, 2025, under Warner Classics. This exquisite collection of organ works spans a little over an hour and twenty-four minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Dubois' virtuosic skill and profound musicality.
The album opens with the iconic "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach, a piece that immediately sets the stage for the journey ahead. Dubois masterfully navigates through Bach's intricate compositions, including the serene "Schübler-Choräle" and the triumphant "Sinfonia" from Cantata BWV 29. The program seamlessly transitions to the romantic and symphonic works of Charles-Marie Widor, with the powerful "Toccata" from his Fifth Organ Symphony standing out as a highlight.
César Franck's "Prélude, fugue et variation" is another cornerstone of the album, demonstrating Dubois' ability to bring out the lyrical and dramatic qualities of Franck's music. The album also features works by Louis Vierne, including the enchanting "Carillon de Westminster" and the ethereal "Naïades," showcasing Dubois' interpretative depth and technical brilliance.
Rachmaninov's "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor," known as "The Bells of Moscow," is a standout piece, arranged for organ by Vierne, and Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Flight of the Bumblebee," arranged by De Saint-Martin, adds a playful and energetic element to the collection. Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin," arranged by Dubois, offers a suite of elegant and refined movements, culminating in a thrilling "Toccata."
The album concludes with contemporary works, including Jean Guillou's "Boléro sur un thème de Charles Racquet" and Claude Balbastre's patriotic "Marche des Marseillois et l'air Ça-ira," adding a dynamic and spirited finale to the program.
"Eternal Notre-Dame" is not just a showcase of Vincent Dubois' extraordinary talent but also a testament to the enduring power and beauty of organ music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of organ music, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience, filled with moments of reflection, inspiration, and sheer musical ecstasy.
