Immerse yourself in the intricate and daring compositions of Nicolas de Grigny, a French organist and composer who left an indelible mark on the musical world despite his short life. This two-disc collection, "Nicolas de Grigny: Messe & Hymnes," released on January 10, 2025, by Château de Versailles Spectacles, showcases Grigny's singular collection of organ music, including his renowned Messe and a selection of hymns. The album spans nearly two hours of captivating performances by Michel Bouvard and François Espinasse, two renowned musicians who bring Grigny's works to life with precision and passion.
Grigny, a pupil of the celebrated Nicolas Lebègue, was known for his audacious writing style, which earned him admiration from contemporaries and even Johann Sebastian Bach. This album features a meticulous selection of Grigny's pieces, including the elaborate Messe, which is divided into several movements, each showcasing different techniques and styles. The hymns included in this collection have been subjects of discussion among organists for years, adding an element of intrigue and scholarly interest.
The album is a testament to Grigny's mastery of the organ, demonstrating his ability to blend complex counterpoint with expressive melodies. From the solemn grandeur of the "Plein jeu" to the delicate intricacies of the "Dialogue," each piece offers a unique glimpse into Grigny's genius. The inclusion of the five relevant plainsong hymns adds depth and context, making this album not just a musical experience but also an educational journey through the works of one of the most erudite composers of the Grand siècle.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a curious newcomer, "Nicolas de Grigny: Messe & Hymnes" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances by Bouvard and Espinasse are nothing short of exceptional, capturing the essence of Grigny's compositions with clarity and emotion. This album is a must for anyone interested in the history of organ music and the enduring legacy of Nicolas de Grigny.
Tracks
Messe: I. Kyrie: No. 1, Premier Kyrie en taille à 5Nicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: I. Kyrie: No. 2, Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: I. Kyrie: No. 3, Cromorne en taille à 2 partiesNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: I. Kyrie: No. 4, Trio en dialogueNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: I. Kyrie: No. 5, Dialogue sur les grands jeuxNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 1, Et in terra pax, à 5Nicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 2, FugueNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 3, DuoNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 4, Récit de Tierce en tailleNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 5, Basse de Trompette ou de CromorneNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 6, DialogueNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 7, Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 8, TrioNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: II. Gloria: No. 9, Dialogue IINicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: III. Offertoire sur les Grands JeuxNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: IV. Sanctus: No. 1, Premier Sanctus en taille, à 5Nicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: IV. Sanctus: No. 2, FugueNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: IV. Sanctus: No. 3, Récit de tierce pour le BenedictusNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: V. Élévation. Dialogue de flûtes pour l'ÉlévationNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: VI. Agnus: No. 1, Premier AgnusNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: VI. Agnus: No. 2, DialogueNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: VII. Communion. Dialogue à 2 tailles de cromorne et 2 dessus de cornet pour la communionNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Messe: VIII. Ite Missa Est. Plein jeuNicolas de Grigny, Michel Bouvard
Veni Creator: I. En taille de 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Veni Creator: II. Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Veni Creator: III. DuoNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Veni Creator: IV. Récit de CromorneNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Veni Creator: V. Dialogue sur les Grands JeuxNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Pange lingua: I. En taille à 4Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Pange lingua: II. Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Pange lingua: III. Récit du chant de l'hymne précédentNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Verbum supernum: I. Plein jeuNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Verbum supernum: II. Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Verbum supernum: III. Récit en dialogueNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Verbum supernum: IV. Récit de basse de trompetteNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Ave maris stella: I. Plein jeu à 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Ave maris stella: II. Fugue à 4Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Ave maris stella: III. DuoNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
Ave maris stella: IV. Dialogue sur les Grands JeuxNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
A solis ortus: I. Plein jeuNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
A solis ortus: II. Fugue à 5Nicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
A solis ortus: III. TrioNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
A solis ortus: IV. Point d'orgue sur les Grands JeuxNicolas de Grigny, François Espinasse
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