Former Organ Scholar releases new album

Former Organ Scholar Richard Gowers has recorded Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur for the King’s College record label, with the album released today, 21 September. Richard, who was at King’s from 2014-17, is the first Organ Scholar to release a solo album on the College’s own label. Written in 1935, La Nativité du Seigneur is one of Messiaen’s most popular organ works, and a piece that helped to establish the then 27 year-old as an important figure in contemporary music. Premiered in February 1936 at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris, where Messiaen was organist for more than sixty years, the debut performance was shared between three of his close friends; with Daniel-Lesur, Jean Langlais and Jean-Jacques Grunenwald each tackling three movements. In his booklet notes, Richard explores why he chose to make the first recording in King’s College Chapel of this hugely significant work. Also with the CD is included a specially-commissioned essay by Messiaen scholar Jeremy Thurlow (Robinson College, Cambridge). The new album is available today from www.kingscollegerecordings.com in CD and download format, as well as on streaming services.