This choral is maybe the pinnacle of music to me. An untouchable monument. Imagine when I was told to play it for my public exam at the music school of Dudelange...
I had in mind the sonority of a very deep symphonic registration, based on deep bass at the pedal, low toned reeds for the accompaniment and fondations revolving around the flûte harmonique for the cantus.
This sonority was not easy to achieve with Dudelange's german romantic organ and I have probably failed, at least in regards of my French standards.
I did fiddle with Hauptwerk anyway and achieved the desired result with Aristide (at least when you don't listen with a hi-fi headset).
And then, just for fun, I pulled the Voix Humaine.
And it was a revelation. Just like if Franck was sitting on the bench next to me, giving me a lesson on how to play Bach in Paris' 19th century.
I was copiously insulted for this by my professor and others (and by the jury for just thinking romantic in Dudelange...). Even you will probably insult me but, what the hell, this sound is so inspiring, letting you hear the one real faithful's prayer gliding above God's people complain and despair.
Too bad for the wrong notes. I'm tempted to edit them out. Until then, enjoy (or not) my very personal take on this monument as it was right before my exam (played with a more conservative (!) hautbois instead of the vox humana).
Sign up today to download piece.
See what JohnTheMonk used to make this recording