Organ Symphony No. 1 in E Major
In Memoriam
Organ Symphony No. 2 in D Major
Le mystère de noël
Choral
Organ Symphony No. 3, "Symphonie mariale"
Cinq Chorals sur Vexilla Regis
Organ Symphony No. 4, "Symphonie eucharistique"

Not only is this new recording of the Complete Organ Works by French organist and composer Auguste Fauchard (1881-1957) a revelation and pleasant surprise, but also a highly welcome addition to the growing list of CPO releases by organist Friedhelm Flamme encompassing and exploring the music of many "off the beaten path" pipe organ composers such as Franz Tunder, Henri Mulet, Matthias Weckmann, Georg Böhm, Max Drischner, etc ... all exemplary recordings in their own right. I must admit that up until now, despite being an organist myself, the name Auguste Fauchard had eluded me. And as far as I can tell there's only one other available recording of his Organ Symphony No. 4 released back in 2011, so this survey of all of his organ works certainly fills a void.

Auguste Fauchard was first and foremost a priest, and attained the position of Canon of Trinity Cathedral in Laval, France in 1929. Having studied organ under Louis Vierne and composition under Vincent D'Indy, he also held the position of organist and music director, and apparently presented over 200 recitals throughout his life, during which he performed the music of Bach, Vierne, Widor, Franck, Alain, as well as lesser known composers. One would assume that since he led a rather secluded life, with time on his side and a pipe organ always at his disposal, allowed him the luxury to put time and effort in his music.

Music which very much brings to mind another unjustly ignored organist/composer, René Louis Becker. Very melodic, somewhat rhapsodic, always anchored by strong themes and motifs, and built upon an assured chromatic harmonic system. A perfect example of his development skills can be heard here in how he begins and ends the final movement of his Organ Symphony No. 2:



Or his sense for the whimsical in the Cantilène from the same symphony:



Or his highly developed harmonic language and contrapuntal layout in the Le cantique de l'univers from his Le mystère de noël:



Or his expressive, lyrical melodic style as in the Communion movement from his Organ Symphony No. 4, "Symphonie eucharistique":



And this is only the tip of the iceberg. His cohesive and highly expressive music does the pipe organ full justice, and Friedhelm Flamme's constant care in registration and judicious use of appropriate stop combinations is always at the music's service, and well projects its subtle beauty or tremendous power. Your pipe organ music CD collection couldn't be considered comprehensive without this valuable recording of a blatantly overlooked composer.