The King's College record label has released a new album of the complete organ works by the French composer Maurice Duruflé, performed in the Chapel by former Organ Scholar Thomas Trotter. Thomas is a prize-winning concert organist and one of the UK’s most admired performing musicians, reflected in Her Majesty The Queen awarding him The Queen's Medal for Music on St Cecilia's Day 2020.
“Along with Olivier Messiaen and Jehan Alain, Maurice Duruflé is one of the giants of 20th century French organ music. His body of music is small but perfectly formed, and its eloquence and emotional depth have been an inspiration to me throughout my performing career. I have felt that the time is now right for a recording that I have had an ambition to make for many years, and to do so on one of the world’s most famous organs – indeed the one on which I learned my craft – is a joy and a privilege.”
Thomas Trotter
The album, released on the College's own record label, presents the six organ works that Duruflé published during his lifetime, plus the Meditation published posthumously, and the short Chant Donné, which was written as a four-part harmony exercise in tribute to Jean Gallon. The album culminates in Duruflé's glorious Suite pour orgue, making full use of the colours, clarity and might of the Harrison & Harrison organ.
Mr. Trotter also shines in Duruflé’s impressive three-movement “Suite.” Symphonic in nature, it conjures an otherworldly journey, particularly in the opening prelude, whose low, rumbling pedal tones introduce the eerie music that follows. In the fitful concluding Toccata, the organist unleashes abundant virtuosity.
Barabara Jepson, Wall Street Journal, June 2021
Thomas's new recording joins a critically acclaimed organ releases on the King’s label, including two albums by Sir Stephen Cleobury (The King of Instruments: A Voice Reborn debuted at #1 in the UK Specialist Classical Charts) and a recording of Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur by former organ scholar Richard Gowers, described as "deeply impressive" by Gramophone Magazine and "profoundly moving" by MusicWeb International.
Stream, download or buy Duruflé: Complete Organ Works from our recordings website: www.kingscollegerecordings.com
