Paris, 25 July 2011
To the German organ builders Heinz Jäger and Wolfgang Brommer,
I wholeheartedly congratulate you for your new beautiful organ at the St. Petrus und Jakobus Maior Church in Nendingen, Germany. It was an honor and a joy to collaborate with you on this successful realization. At Bernard Sanders’ request, I had organized a three-day intensive study of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll’s organs in Paris for you in January 2011. This contributed to Heinz Jäger’s fine comprehension of the tonal conceptions of this great organ builder. He also shares his high artistic ideals and his constant desire to improve his Art. Following Cavaillé-Coll’s example, instead of merely copying a particular instrument, your firm created a unique organ, a true musical instrument based on past foundations.
Thanks to Heinz Jäger’s excellent refined voicing, this organ resonates perfectly in the church. I am fond of its noble foundation stops, its colorful solo stops, its elegant mutation stops and its powerful full organ. Each stop sounds beautifully and they all blend perfectly together, thus creating a wide spectrum of tonal possibilities. This organ, highly suited to the interpretation of the French repertory from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, allows the performance of a vast repertory: early, romantic, symphonic, neo-classical and modern works.
I was delighted to inaugurate this marvelous organ on Sunday, July 24, 2011, with an eclectic program of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, César Franck, Eugène Gigout, Bernard Sanders, Maurice Duruflé and Jehan Alain. I especially appreciate its fantastic Récit Basson 16’ that gives such glorious majesty to the plenum and also serves as a refined solo stop, along with the colorful Récit Hautbois 8’, both perfect for César Franck’s Prélude, Fugue et Variation and Eugène Gigout’s Toccata. Bernard Sanders’ Eclogue & Fugue in B-flat, composed specially for this occasion, and Maurice Duruflé’s Prélude and Fugue sur le nom d’Alain both highly valorized its great variety of possible tonal colors. Jehan Alain’s mystical Postlude pour l’Office de Complies contrasted with his brilliant flamboyant Litanies. In addition, the sequential combination system is very practical. Without a doubt, this organ will inspire future organists and composers and contribute to the vital musical programs in this church.
Thank you so much for this musical gem that renders homage to Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in this year that celebrates the bicentenary of his birth.
With all my very best wishes for your future organs, notably the two organs you are now building for China,
Carolyn SHUSTER FOURNIER
International concert organist,
Titular of the 1867 Aristide Cavaillé-Coll choir organ at the Trinité Church in Paris, France