Maurice Duruflé - Chorale Variations on "Veni Creator Spiritus"

Performed by Charles Burks on March 2, 2003. Recorded live in concert at Woolsey Hall on the campus of Yale University. 1929 E.M. Skinner pipe organ, 4 manuals, 197 ranks.
Veni Creator chant sung by the Paul Halley Chorale.
Chorale Variations on "Veni Creator Spiritus" - Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986).
Maurice Duruflé first performed his Prelude, Adagio and Chorale Variations on the theme 'Veni Creator' at an organ competition for which the work was composed. It is typical of Duruflé's style of writing for the organ: highly refined at every level, impressionistic and modal harmonically, symmetrical in overall shape, and technically demanding.
Duruflé does not reveal the Veni Creator Spiritus chant in its entirety until the Choral and Variations near the end of the work (heard in this recording). The frequent use of canon, blurring of metrical distinctions, and recurring off-beat accents lead to a free-flowing quality that audibly evokes the presence and unpredictable power of the Holy Spirit.
To hear Duruflé's entire Prelude, Adagio, and Chorale Variations on "Veni Creator Spiritus" performed by Charles Burks, please click here: • Maurice Duruflé - "Ven...

[@stylusfantasticus]

Most splendid organ. An absolute landmark. Brilliant performer.

[@bornagainbach2731]

Glad you enjoyed my performance - it is a wonderful instrument.

[@stylusfantasticus]

@@bornagainbach2731 No doubt ! I played a recital there in 1997 when T. Murray was in charge. It is something difficult to describe in terms of magnificence ....Best regards!

[@bornagainbach2731]

@@stylusfantasticus Ah, Tom Murray was my teacher and such a help in navigating the Woolsey Hall instrument. Also had a knack for recommending just the right tempo for the space.