Louis Vierne left a groundbreaking legacy of organ works. However, his extraordinarily demanding and sophisticated music in virtually all other genres has since faded from memory. Michael Schöch, like Vierne a virtuoso on both the organ and concert grand piano, dedicates his latest SACD to the complete piano works of the French late Romantic master.
Already the first installment, focusing on early works, reveals a versatile composer with an exceptional gift for writing for the piano, conjuring subtle atmospheric sketches on stage. The »Suite Bourguignonne« from 1899 depicts a day in the countryside through seven idyllic character pieces, from the morning song to the »Clair de lune«.
Debussy is never far away, as with the three Nocturnes op. 35: Inspired by the sublime nocturnal impression of the magnificent St. Ouen cathedral in Rouen, the first evokes the »Cathédrale engloutie« of his celebrated colleague – the star-studded nighttime atmosphere of the third even contains the song of a nightingale…
Michael Schöch shapes this colorful music with radiant elegance. Alongside the major cycles, the artist—both inquisitive and multifaceted—also devotes himself to smaller pieces, some of which were only published posthumously. The recording in the concert hall of Marienmünster Abbey is graced by the unmistakable sound of the Steinway concert grand 'Manfred Bürki', which with its 1901 construction date perfectly matches the creative period of these works. We can already look forward to the continuation, featuring compositions from his later creative period!
Reviews
"Louis Vierne is best known for his organ works and his many years as titular organist of the grand organ at Notre-Dame in Paris – so much so that he died at the console of that organ. What many don't know, however, is his legacy of piano works, which thanks to MDG is now available in high resolution; the first part is presented here. Admittedly, this isn't core repertoire, but experienced collectors will be thrilled to add this excellently recorded series, which is currently being completed, to their shelves. In Michael Schöch's interpretation, it comes across as a collection of beautifully painted, late Romantic piano works by, to quote the accompanying booklet, "a composer of impressive salon music". We should take that positively... If one seeks a possible connection between a Central European piano virtuoso and another who interprets French piano works so remarkably well, the common denominator could lie in the organ. Like Vierne, Schöch is a talented organist (first prize at the 2011 International ARD Music Competition, organ category) and is thus equally stylistically connected to the piano as Vierne was." (HRAudio.net)
"Louis Vierne (1870–1937) was an organist at Notre-Dame in Paris his entire life, where he composed some of the most impressive organ works, for which he is especially known and admired. Before listening to this new recording, I had never heard any of his piano music, and given his career as an organist, I expected to hear pedantic and clumsy music. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I heard the opening piece 'Aubade' from the 'Suite bourguignonne'. The light, airy, and swift style immediately reminded me of the music of Maurice Ravel or even Claude Debussy. In the same vein are the 'Danse rustique', also from the 'Suite bourguignonne', the 'Air à danser', and the 'Divertissement' from the 'Silhouettes d'enfants', all performed with lively spirit by Michael Schöch, who happens to also be an organist and winner of the International ARD Music Competition in the organ category... I had absolutely no idea that a church organist could slip so effortlessly into the role of an impressionist. If you love piano music and are looking for something rarely mentioned or even performed, this would certainly be a fine addition to your collection." (Classical Music Sentinel)
