Pierre Eugène Charles Cochereau (9 July 1924 – 6 March 1984) was a French

organist An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ (music), organ. An organist may play organ repertoire, solo organ works, play with an musical ensemble, ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumentalist, instrumental ...

improviser Improvisation is the activity of making or doing something not planned beforehand, using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. The skills of impr ...

composer A composer is a person who writes music. The term is especially used to indicate composers of Western classical music, or those who are composers by occupation. Many composers are, or were, also skilled performers of music. Etymology and Defi ...

, and

pedagogue Pedagogy (), most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political and psychological development of learners. Pedagogy, taken as ...

. Cochereau was titular organist of the cathedral of

Notre-Dame de Paris Notre-Dame de Paris (; meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the ...

from 1955 to his death in 1984 and was responsible for a controversial renovation of the cathedral's organ in the 1960s. He was greatly renowned as an improviser and organist in his lifetime and still is today. After his death, the

Conservatory of Nice The Conservatoire Pierre Cochereau à rayonnement régional de Nice (C.R.R. de Nice) is a state-run regional music and dance conservatoire which serves the French city of Nice (Alpes-Maritimes). It was founded by Adeline Ballet, a pianist, in 1916. ...

was renamed in his honour.

Biography

Pierre Cochereau was born on 9 July 1924 in the French commune of

Saint-Mandé Saint-Mandé () is a high-end Communes of France, commune of the Val-de-Marne Departments of France, department in Île-de-France in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the Kilometre Zero, center of Paris. It is one of the sm ...

(

Val-de-Marne Val-de-Marne (, "Vale of the Marne") is a department of France located in the Île-de-France region. Named after the river Marne, it is situated in the Grand Paris metropolis to the southeast of the City of Paris. In 2019, Val-de-Marne had a pop ...

), near the capital city of

Paris Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. S ...

. His father, Georges Ernest Cochereau, was a wealthy factory owner who owned a shoemaking factory. In 1929, after a few months of violin instruction, he began to take piano lessons with Marius-François Gaillard.

Marguerite Long Marguerite Marie-Charlotte Long (13 November 1874 – 13 February 1966) was a French pianist, pedagogue, lecturer, and an ambassador of French music. Life Early life: 1874–1900 Marguerite Long was born to Pierre Long and Anne Marie Antoin ...

became his piano teacher in 1933, and three years later,

Paul Pannesay Paul may refer to: *Paul (given name), a given name (includes a list of people with that name) * Paul (surname), a list of people People Christianity *Paul the Apostle (AD c.5–c.64/65), also known as Saul of Tarsus or Saint Paul, early Chri ...

. When Cochereau was 13 years old, after suffering a year of poor health and poor performance in school, Cochereau's father sent him to recuperate in a village in the South of France. Cochereau was allowed the key to the local church so he could practise piano, however one day he discovered a 2 manual pipe organ by Cavaillé-Coll. The church's titular organist agreed to show him the instrument on 2 June 1937, which was coincidentally the day that

Louis Vierne Louis Victor Jules Vierne (8 October 1870 – 2 June 1937) was a French organist and composer. As the organist of Notre-Dame de Paris from 1900 until his death, he focused on organ music, including six organ symphonies and a '' Messe solennelle ...

, the then-organist of

Notre-Dame-de-Paris Notre-Dame de Paris (; meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the ...

, died at the console of the organ during his 1750th organ recital. Some viewed this as an 'apostolic succession', as Cochereau would hold the exact same post 18 years later. In 1938, Cochereau took lessons with Marie-Louise Girod, a student of

Marcel Dupré Marcel Jean-Jules Dupré () (3 May 1886 – 30 May 1971) was a French organist, composer, and pedagogue. Biography Born in Rouen into a wealthy musical family, Marcel Dupré was a child prodigy. His father Aimable Albert Dupré was titular o ...

. He continued his organ studies with André Fleury and Paul Delafosse, whom Cochereau succeeded as titular organist at

Saint-Roch Saint-Roch may refer to: In Canada: *Saint-Roch, Quebec City, a neighbourhood of Quebec City *Saint-Roch-de-l'Achigan, Quebec, a municipality * Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, Quebec, a municipality *Saint-Roch-de-Richelieu, Quebec, a municipality *Saint-R ...

in Paris in 1942. After one year of law studies, Cochereau decided to dedicate himself to a musical career, and entered the Conservatory of Paris in 1943. He left the Conservatory in 1949 with first prizes in harmony (class of

Maurice Duruflé Maurice Gustave Duruflé (; 11 January 1902 – 16 June 1986) was a French composer, organist, musicologist, and teacher. Life and career Duruflé was born in Louviers, Eure in 1902. He became a chorister at the Rouen Cathedral Choir School fro ...

) - alongside

Pierre Labric Pierre André Labric (born 30 June 1921) is a French organist, pedagogue and composer. Biography Born in Conches-en-Ouche in Eure, Normandy, Labric studied the organ at Rouen Conservatory under Marcel Lanquetuit, and at the Paris Conservatoir ...

, music history, fugue and counterpoint (class of

Noël Gallon Noël Jean-Charles André Gallon (11 September 1891 – 26 December 1966) was a French composer and music educator. His compositional output includes several choral works and vocal art songs, 10 preludes, a ''Toccata'' for piano, a ''Sonata ...

), composition (class of

Tony Aubin Tony Louis Alexandre Aubin (8 December 1907 – 21 September 1981) was a French composer. Career Aubin was born in Paris. From 1925 to 1930, he studied at the Paris Conservatory under Samuel Rousseau (music theory), Noel Gallon (counterpoint) ...

), and organ (class of Marcel Dupré). In September 1948, Cochereau made his first recital tour to Hungary. One year later, he married Nicole Lacroix, a pianist and composer, with whom he had two children: Jean-Marc (1949–2011), conductor and late director of the

Tours Tours ( , ) is one of the largest cities in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, France. It is the Prefectures in France, prefecture of the Departments of France, department of Indre-et-Loire. The Communes of France, commune of Tours had 136,463 ...

Conservatory, and Marie-Pierre, a professional harpist. In 1949, at age 26, Pierre Cochereau was appointed director of the Le Mans Conservatory, a term he occupied for seven years. In 1955, he succeeded

Léonce de Saint-Martin Léonce Marie-Joseph, Comte de Saint-Martin-de-Paylha (31 October 1886 - 10 June 1954), shortened to and more well known by Léonce de Saint-Martin, was a French organist and composer. Biography He was born in Albi (Tarn). As the successor of ...

(1886–1954) as titular organist at

Notre Dame Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris (; meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the ...

in Paris, after applying to the post just days before the deadline. However, a delay occurred, due to Cochereau's failure to provide a home address. In 1956, his recording of

's ''Symphonie-Passion'', Op. 23 was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque. The same year, Cochereau made his first of 25 recital tours to the United States, producing a CD of music played at Notre-Dame, as well as an improvised symphony at Boston Symphony Hall. In 1961, Cochereau became director of the Nice Conservatory (the conservatoire now bears his name), which he left in 1979, accepting the directorship of the Lyon Conservatory.

Death and legacy

Pierre Cochereau died in the early hours of 6 March 1984 in Lyon after suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage; he unsuccessfully attempted to reach a telephone to call for help. He was buried at the Cimetière Belleville in Paris next to members of his family. Following his death, Notre-Dame appointed four ''titulaires des grands orgues'':

Olivier Latry Olivier Jean-Claude Latry (born 22 February 1962) is a French organist, improviser, and composer. He is professor of organ in the Conservatoire de Paris. He became interested in the organ after listening to recordings by Pierre Cochereau. His ...

Yves Devernay Yves Marie-Édouard Devernay (Tourcoing 9 May 1937 – Tourcoing 10 December 1990) was a 20th-century French organist, improviser and composer. Biography First a pupil of Jeanne Joulain at the Roubaix conservatory, in 1958 he joined Rolande ...

(died 1990), Philippe Lefèbvre and

Jean-Pierre Leguay Jean-Pierre Leguay (born 4 July 1939 in Dijon) is a French organist, composer and improviser. He studied with André Marchal, Gaston Litaize, Rolande Falcinelli (organ), Simone Plé-Caussade (counterpoint), and Olivier Messiaen (composition), ...

(retired 2015). Pierre Cochereau had a worldwide reputation as a concert organist and especially as a brilliant

. In his improvisations, Cochereau had created a musical language that was eminently personal, recognizable as of the opening notes. His many stylistic influences regarding counterpoint, formal structure, and harmonic language included composers such as

, Noël Gallon,

Olivier Messiaen Olivier Eugène Prosper Charles Messiaen (, ; ; 10 December 1908 – 27 April 1992) was a French composer, organist, and ornithologist who was one of the major composers of the 20th century. His music is rhythmically complex; harmonically ...

, and

Florent Schmitt Florent Schmitt (; 28 September 187017 August 1958) was a French composer. He was part of the group known as Les Apaches. His most famous pieces are ''La tragédie de Salome'' and ''Psaume XLVII'' (Psalm 47). He has been described as "one of th ...

. He oversaw a controversial transformation of the Cavaillé-Coll organ at Notre-Dame realised by Jean Hermann and the Boisseaus Jean-Loup and Robert, and was regularly pushing for more changes to combine the French symphonic style with the 18th century style of the

Clicquot Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin () is a Champagne house founded in 1772 and based in Reims. It is one of the largest Champagne houses. Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs, creating the first known vintage champagne in 1810, and ...

dynasty. Cochereau was an avid smoker and was also known for accumulating numerous speeding fines. His other personal interests included aeroplanes, ships, trains, and other vehicles. As a composer, Cochereau left several organ works, chamber music, and choir compositions. Many of Cochereau's organ improvisations have been transcribed and published by other organists, such as David Briggs,

Jeremy Filsell Jeremiah Daniel Filsell (born 10 April 1964) is an English pianist, organist and composer who currently serves as director of music at Saint Thomas Church, New York City. Biography Having played piano and organ from a young age, Filsell wa ...

and

Jeanne Joulain Jeanne Angèle Desirée Yvonne Joulain (22 July 1920 – 1 February 2010) was a French organist, concertist and music educator. Biography Born in Amiens, Joulain's first contact with music was made thanks to her musician parents. Her father, a t ...

. He was also one of the cofounders of the

Grand Prix de Chartres Grand may refer to: People with the name * Grand (surname) * Grand L. Bush (born 1955), American actor * Grand Mixer DXT, American turntablist * Grand Puba (born 1966), American rapper Places * Grand, Oklahoma * Grand, Vosges, village and comm ...

organ competition (alongside Pierre Firmin-Didot). In 2012

Anthony Hammond Anthony Hammond (1668–1738), of Somersham Place, Huntingdonshire and Lidlington, Bedfordshire, was an English official and Tory politician who sat in the English and British House of Commons between 1695 and 1708. He was also known as a poet a ...

published, with the

University of Rochester The University of Rochester (U of R, UR, or U of Rochester) is a private research university in Rochester, New York. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral and professional degrees. The University of Roc ...

Press (

Eastman School of Music The Eastman School of Music is the music school of the University of Rochester, a private research university in Rochester, New York. It was established in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman. It offers Bachelor of Music (B.M ...

), a book on Pierre Cochereau – the first full-length English language study of him, written with full assistance and support from the Cochereau family and former colleagues. A street bears his name in Montpellier and as well as an avenue in Roquevaire. The Nice Regional Conservatory also bears his name. He was also a recipient of officership of the prestigious

Legion d'honneur The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon B ...

Compositions

Organ solo

* Symphonie (composed 1950–55. Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1996. EC 100) ** ''1. Adagio et Allegro'' ** ''2. Adagio'' ** ''3. Scherzando'' ** ''4. Allegro'' * Trois Variations sur un thème chromatique (composed 1963. Paris: Leduc, 1963) * Micro-Sonate en Trio, Op. 11 (composed 1969. Paris: Leduc, 1969) * Variations sur "Ma jeunesse a une fin" , Op. 16 (composed 1972. Paris: Leduc, 1972)

Organ with other instruments

* Concerto for organ and orchestra in C major (composed 1951. Unpublished.)

Works for choir

* Paraphrase de la Dédicace for choir, two organs, two brass ensembles, and six tympani (composed 1963. Sankt Augustin, Germany: Dr. J. Butz/Éditions Chantraine. EC 148) * Hymne (Unpublished.)

Chamber music

* Songs (Unpublished.) * Piano Quintet (Unpublished.)

Transcribed improvisations

* Symphonie improvisée. * I. ''Adagio'' * II. ''Scherzo'' * III. ''Adagio'' * IV. ''Toccata'' ** Improvised in 1956 at the Aeolian-Skinner organ at Boston Symphony Hall. Transcribed by Jeremy Filsell. *** Sankt Augustin, Germany: Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag/Éditions Chantraine, 2004. EC 160. **** Recording: Cochereau: Les "Incunables". Sigean, France: Solstice, 2000. SOCD 177/8. 2 CDs. * Symphonie en improvisation. * I. ''Agité'' * II. ''Scherzo'' * III. ''Lent'' * IV. ''Final'' ** Improvised in December 1963 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by John Scott Whiteley. *** Sankt Augustin, Germany: Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag/Éditions Chantraine, 2006. EC 161. **** Recording: Cochereau: La Légende. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2007. SOCD 237. Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 4: Messiaen/Cochereau. France: Philips, 1995. Philips 446 642–2. 1 CD. * Treize improvisations sur les versets de vêpres. ** Improvised in December 1963 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by

. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 125. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau improvise sur des Noëls. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1997. SOCD 152. 1 CD. * Prélude et Variations sur "Venez, Divin Messie". ** Improvised on December 24, 1968, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by David Briggs. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1998. EC 122. **** Recording: Cochereau: La Légende. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2007. SOCD 237. 1 CD. * Sortie sur "Adeste Fideles". ** Improvised on December 24, 1968, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 150. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau improvise sur des Noëls. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1997. SOCD 152. 1 CD. * Cantem tots la Gloria. ** Improvised on July 23, 1969, in Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales; Hartmann Positive organ). Transcribed by David Briggs. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 120. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: 12 improvisations inédites. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2002. SOCD 200/1. 2 CDs. * Thème et Variations sur "Alouette, gentille alouette". ** Improvised in April 1970 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by David Briggs. *** London: United Music Publishers, 1992. **** Recording: Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 16: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 1. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 655–2. 1 CD. * Quinze versets sur "Ave Maris Stella". ** Improvised on August 15, 1970, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 157. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau improvise en concert à Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1989. FYCD 127. 1 CD. * Variations sur un vieux Noël. ** Improvised on December 24, 1972, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by Jeremy Filsell. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 137. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau improvise en concert à Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1989. FYCD 127. 1 CD. * Introduction, Choral et Variations sur "O Filii et filiæ". ** Improvised on April 22, 1973, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 2000. EC 151. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'organiste de Notre-Dame. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1992. SOCD 94/6. 3 CDs. * Boléro sur un thème de Charles Racquet for organ and percussion. ** Improvised in May 1973 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by Jean-Marc Cochereau. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1996. EC 116. **** Recordings: Cochereau: La Légende. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2007. SOCD 237. Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 16: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 1. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 655–2. 1 CD. * Berceuse à la mémoire de Louis Vierne. ** Improvised in May 1973 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by Frédéric Blanc. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 119. **** Recording: Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 17: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 2. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 656–2. 1 CD. * Variations sur "Frère Jacques". ** Improvised in May 1973 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 149. **** Recording: Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 17: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 2. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 656–2. 1 CD. * Suite à la française sur des thèmes populaires. * I. ''Prélude "Légende de Saint-Nicolas"'' * II. ''Air "Trimazo"'' * III. ''Gigue "Compagnons de la Marjolaine"'' * IV. ''Musette "Nous n'irons plus au bois"'' * V. ''Sarabande "Dans les prisons de Nantes"'' * VI. ''Menuet "V'la l'bon vent"'' * VII. ''Toccata "Marche des rois"'' ** Improvised in May 1973 at Notre-Dame de Paris for Philips. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 115. **** Recording: Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 16: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 1. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 655–2. 1 CD. * Scherzo symphonique. ** Improvised on February 10, 1974, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by Jeremy Filsell. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1998. EC 139. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'organiste de Notre-Dame. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1992. SOCD 94/6. 3 CDs. * Sortie sur "Venez, Divin Messie". ** Improvised in March 1974 at Notre-Dame de Paris for FY/Solstice. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1996. EC 113. **** Recording: Noël à Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1994. SOCD 906. 1 CD. * Suite de Danses for organ and percussion. * I. ''Marche'' * II. ''Sarabande'' * III. ''Musette'' * IV. ''Tambourin'' * V. ''Menuet'' * VI. ''Gigue'' ** Improvised on May 29, 1974, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by David Briggs. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 123. **** Recording: Cochereau: Deux grandes improvisation en concert. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1985. FYCD 118. 1 CD. * Sortie sur "Haec Dies". ** Improvised on March 30, 1975, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 112. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'organiste de Notre-Dame. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1992. SOCD 94/6. 3 CDs. * Neuf Pièces improvisées en forme de Suite française. * I. ''Kyrie'' * II. ''Petit Plein-Jeu'' * III. ''Offertoire'' * IV. ''Tierce en taille'' * V. ''Voix humaine'' * VI. ''Basse de Cromorne'' * VII. ''Flûtes'' * VIII. ''Basse de Trompette'' * IX. ''Grand Plein-Jeu'' ** Improvised between March 15 and 18, 1977 at Notre-Dame de Paris for FY/Solstice. Transcribed by Jeanne Joulain. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine. EC 64. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'art de l'improvisation. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. FYCD 059. 1 CD. * Variations sur un Noël. ** Improvised on June 27, 1977, at Notre-Dame de Paris for FY/Solstice. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai,Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 90. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'art de l'improvisation. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. FYCD 059. 1 CD. * Une Messe Dominicale. * I. ''Entrée'' * II. ''Offertoire'' * III. ''Élévation'' * IV. ''Communion'' * V. ''Sortie'' ** Improvised on June 28, 1977, at Notre-Dame de Paris for FY/Solstice. Transcribed by François Lombard. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1997. EC 114. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'art de l'improvisation. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. FYCD 059. 1 CD. * Triptyque symphonique sur deux thèmes. * I. ''Introduction et Scherzo'' * II. ''Fugue'' * III. ''Final'' ** Improvised on June 29, 1977, at Notre-Dame de Paris for FY/Solstice. Transcribed by David Briggs. *** Tournai, Belgium: Éditions Chantraine, 1998. EC 121. **** Recording: Pierre Cochereau: L'art de l'improvisation. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. FYCD 059. 1 CD.

Discography

* Pierre Cochereau: L'Œuvre écrite. ** Symphonie pour grand orgue; Paraphrase de la Dédicace; Trois Variations sur un thème chromatique; Micro Sonate en trio; Thème et Variations sur "Ma jeunesse a une fin". *** François Lombard (Symphonie) and

Pierre Pincemaille Pierre-Marie François Pincemaille (8 December 1956 – 12 January 2018) was a French organist, improviser, and pedagogue. He was known for his organ improvisations, both in concert and on CD and for his recordings of Charles-Marie Widor's ...

, Organists. Chœur régional Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Orchestre philharmonique de Marseille. Jean-Marc Cochereau, Conductor. Recorded 1999 at St. Vincent de Roquevaire (Bouches-du-Rhône). Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. SOCD 163. 1 CD. * Cochereau. ** A two-hour portrait including numerous archive recordings and interviews on the life and work of Pierre Cochereau. *** Sigean, France: Solstice, 2004. SODVD 01. 1 DVD. * Cochereau: Les "Incunables". ** Liszt: Ad nos, ad salutarem undam; Vierne: 2. Sinfonie e-Moll op. 20; Dupré: Symphonie-Passion op. 20; Cochereau: Symphonie improvisée. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded 1955 at Notre-Dame de Paris (Liszt, Vierne, Dupré) and in June 1956 (Symphonie improvisée) at Symphony Hall, Boston. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2000. SOCD 177/8. 2 CDs. * Cochereau: La Legende. ** Symphonie en Improvisation; Treize improvisations sur des versets de Vêpres; Boléro improvisé sur un thème de Charles Racquet for organ and percussion. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Michel Cals and Michel Gastaud, Percussionists (Boléro improvisé). Recorded in December 1963 (Symphonie, Treize improvisations) and May 1973 (Boléro improvisé) at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2007. SOCD 237. 1 CD. * Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 4: Messiaen/Cochereau. **

: Excerpts from

La Nativité du Seigneur ''La Nativité du Seigneur'' (''The Nativity of the Lord'' or ''The Birth of the Saviour'') is a work for organ, written by the French composer Olivier Messiaen in 1935. ''La Nativité du Seigneur'' is a testament to Messiaen's Christian faith, ...

; Le banquet céleste; Apparition de l’eglise éternelle (February 1972); Symphonie en improvisation (May 1973). *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded at Notre-Dame de Paris. France: Philips, 1995. Philips 446 642–2. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau improvise sur des Noëls aux grandes orgues de Notre-Dame de Paris. ** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between 1969 and 1973 at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1997. SOCD 152. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau: 12 Improvisations inédites. ** Concert Tour Summer 1969 in various French cities, played on a two-manual positiv organ by Philippe Hartmann. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between July 16 and August 29, 1969. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2002. SOCD 200/1. 2 CDs. * Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 16: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 1. ** Improvisations sur “Alouette, gentile alouette” (April 1970); Suite à la française sur des thèmes populaires; Boléro sur un theme de Charles Racquet, pour orgue et percussion (May 1973). *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Michel Cals and Michel Gastaud, Percussionists (Boléro). Recorded at Notre-Dame de Paris. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 655–2. 1 CD. * Collection Grandes Orgues Vol. 17: Cochereau joue Cochereau, Improvisations 1. ** Treize improvisations sur des versets de Vêpres (December 1963); Berceuse à la mémoire de Louis Vierne; Variations sur “Frère Jacques“ (May 1973). *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded at Notre-Dame de Paris. France: Philips, 1996. Philips 454 656–2. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau: Deux grandes improvisations en concert. ** Suite de Danses; Prélude, Adagio et Choral Varié. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Michel Cals and Michel Gastaud, Percussionists (Suite de Danses). Recorded on May 24, 1974 (Suite) and February 27, 1970 (Prélude, Adagio et Choral Varié) at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1985. FYCD 118. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau: L'organiste de Notre-Dame. ** Works by J. S. Bach, César Franck, Olivier Messiaen, Marcel Dupré, and Rouget de Lisle, as well as numerous live recordings of liturgical improvisations and concert improvisations. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between 1968 and 1984 at Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathédrale (Introduction, Choral et Variations sur un thème donné par P. C., September 30, 1973). Sigean, France: Solstice, 1992. SOCD 94/6. 3 CDs. * Pierre Cochereau, Organ. ** Works by Johann Sebastian Bach, François Couperin, Louis Vierne, Olivier Messiaen and an improvisation on a submitted theme. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organ. Recorded on July 12, 1970, and July 2, 1972, at the Chiesa Parrocchiale in Magadino, Italy. Bologna, Italy: Ermitage, 1996. ERM 176–2. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau improvise en concert à Notre-Dame de Paris. ** 15 Versets sur Ave Maris Stella; Variations sur un Noël. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded on August 15, 1970 (Versets) and December 24, 1972 (Variations) at Notre Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1989. FYCD 127. 1 CD. * Improvisations sur des thèmes de Pâques à Notre-Dame de Paris. ** Symphonie en 4 mouvements (April 11, 1971); Introduction, Choral, Fugue et Variations (March 26, 1978); Prélude, Adagio, Fugue et Choral Varié (April 19, 1981). *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2003. SOCD 206. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau: L'organiste liturgique. ** Four improvised masses (each including Entrée, Offertoire, Communion and Sortie). *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between June 1973 and November 1977 at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 2003. SOCD 226. 1 CD. * Noël à Notre-Dame de Paris. ** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Maîtrise de Notre-Dame. Jehan Revert, Conductor. Recorded in March and June 1974 at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1994. SOCD 906. 1 CD. * Les offices du dimanche à Notre-Dame de Paris. ** Office de Laudes; Grand’Messe; Vêpres. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Maîtrise de Notre-Dame/Chorale de la Cathédrale. Jehan Revert, Conductor. Recorded on February 27, 1976, and November 9, 1968, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1988. FYCD 019. 1 CD. * Pierre Cochereau: L'art de l'improvisation. ** 30 pièces pour servir de présentation à l'orgue de Notre-Dame. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between March 15 and June 29, 1977, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1999. FYCD 059. 1 CD. * Organ works by Otto Barblan and Henri Gagnebin. ** Otto Barblan: Toccata op. 23; Fantaisie op. 16; Chaconne op. 10 on BACH. Heni Gagnebin: Toccata; Dialogue et Passacaille. An interview with Pierre Cochereau by Gérard Delatena. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded in October 1977 at Notre-Dame de Paris. Wiesbaden, Germany: Motette Ursina. Motette M 10350. 1 LP. * Cochereau: Un Testament Musical. ** Intégrale des 25 improvisations sur l'Evangile selon Saint Matthieu. *** Pierre Cochereau, Organist. Recorded between February 5 and March 4, 1984, at Notre-Dame de Paris. Sigean, France: Solstice, 1997. SOCD 150/1. 2 CDs. * Bach sur les orgues de l'église Saint-Roch à Paris ** Fantaisie et Fugue en sol mineur BWV 542. Grand Prélude et Fugue en mi bémol BWV 552. Passacaille en ut mineur BWV 582. *** The earliest recording of Pierre Cochereau, made by

Michel Bernstein Michel Bernstein (Paris, 1931 – Paris, October 31, 2006) was a French musical producer and founder of several record labels. Bernstein's first contact with classical music was hearing the school music teacher play Beethoven on an out-of-tune pian ...

in 1958
Bernstein's memoirs
. * Organ Symphony by Camille Saint-Saens ** Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic *** Deutsche Grammophon, 1981, CD.

References

Bibliography

* Anthony Hammond: "Pierre Cochereau: Organist of Notre Dame." UK 2012, Eastman Studies in Music, * Yvette Carbou (ed.): ''Pierre Cochereau: Témoignages.'' Éditions Zurfluh, Bourg-la-Reine, France 1999, * Brigitte de Leersnyder (ed.): Pierre Cochereau (1924–1984). In: ''L'Orgue: Cahiers et memoirs.'' Numéro Spéciale de la revue trimestrielle ''L'Orgue'' 1989. Association des Amis de l'Orgue, ISSN 0030-5170 * François Sabatier. "Pierre Cochereau", in ''Guide de la musique d’orgue'', edited by

Gilles Cantagrel Gilles Cantagrel (born 20 November 1937) is a French musicologist, writer, lecturer and music educator. Biography Born in Paris, Cantagrel studied physics, art history and music at the École Normale de Musique de Paris and at the Conservatoi ...

. Paris:

Fayard Fayard (complete name: ''Librairie Arthème Fayard'') is a French Paris-based publishing house established in 1857. Fayard is controlled by Hachette Livre. In 1999, Éditions Pauvert became part of Fayard. Claude Durand was director of Fayard ...

, 1991: 274–276. * Yvette Carbou
Pierre Cochereau - Un art d'illusionniste
Éditions Delatour France, 2014.

External links

Brief video clip featuring Pierre Cochereau (Variation improvisée from the TV production "Un concert à Notre-Dame", 1980) at YouTube

* ttps://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E4DA1539F934A35750C0A962948260 Obituaryin the ''New York Times''
Solstice Music, Sigean

Pierre Cochereau at Solstice Music

Dr. Josef Butz Musikverlag/Éditions Chantraine, Sankt Augustin
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cochereau, Pierre 1924 births 1984 deaths People from Saint-Mandé 20th-century classical composers French classical organists French male organists Organ improvisers Cathedral organists French classical composers French male classical composers Conservatoire de Paris alumni Directors of the Conservatoire de Paris 20th-century organists 20th-century French composers 20th-century French male musicians Notre-Dame de Paris Male classical organists