Duruflé: Complete Organ Works

Immerse yourself in the profound and serene world of Maurice Duruflé's complete organ works, masterfully performed by the acclaimed organist Thomas Trotter. This album, released on June 11, 2021, under the Kings College Cambridge label, features a collection of 13 tracks that showcase Duruflé's intricate compositions, each piece a testament to his mastery of the organ. With a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through Duruflé's organ repertoire, from the hauntingly beautiful "Fugue sur le thème du Carillon des Heures de la Cathédrale de Soissons" to the intricate "Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur le thème du 'Veni Creator'".

Thomas Trotter, a prize-winning concert organist and one of the UK's most admired performing musicians, brings his exceptional skill and deep understanding of Duruflé's music to this recording. The album was recorded on the world-famous organ in the Chapel of King’s College Cambridge, a venue that holds special significance for Trotter, as it is where his extraordinary performing career began. The Queen's Medal for Music, awarded to Trotter on St Cecilia's Day 2020, underscores his standing as a leading figure in the world of classical music.

This album is a celebration of Duruflé's unique harmonic language and his ability to create deeply moving and introspective works. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous performance and stunning acoustics of King’s College Chapel make this album a standout in the genre of organ music.

Maurice Duruflé, born in 1902 in Louviers, France, was a multifaceted musical genius known for his compositions, organ playing, and teaching. His works, though few in number, are deeply revered for their unique blend of Gregorian chant and modern harmonies. Duruflé's most celebrated piece, the Requiem, is a masterful fusion of ancient liturgical music and 20th-century compositional techniques. His musical journey began under the guidance of his father, a professional harpist, and continued at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, where he studied with notable figures like Paul Dukas and Charles Tournemire. Duruflé's influence extends beyond his compositions; he was also a respected professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, shaping the next generation of musicians. His legacy endures through his evocative choral works and organ pieces, which continue to captivate audiences with their profound emotional depth and technical brilliance.