Les Corps Glorieux

The second album we would like to introduce to you was released on August 1, 2009 by Loft Recordings. It is a performance by organist Colin Andrews, on a brilliant new C.B. Fisk organ in the acoustically ideal setting of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, NC.

So, we would like to introduce to this recent release from Loft Recordings of Les Corps Glorieux (1939), a spectacular work from Messiaen’s early period. Each of its seven movements presents a musical and theological statement, expressed in Messiaen’s unique musical vocabulary. The haunting opening monody creates a mystical, mantra-like atmosphere that lays the path for an hour of extraordinarily compelling music. Les Corps Glorieux evokes Messian’s fascination with miracles and visions and is greatly influenced by his belief that “the heart is an abyss which can only be filled by that which is godly”. This entrancing suite has the defining characteristics of many of his other works, exemplifying his deep devotion to Catholicism and exoticism. “I wished to accomplish a liturgical act, that is to say, to transfer a kind of divine office, a kind of communal praise to the concert hall.”

Also included is Messiaen’s Verset pour la fête de la Dédicace, originally written as a test piece for students at the Paris Conservatory. It is based on the plainchant “Alleluia for the dedication”, but presented in Messiaen’s inimitable style.

Since his debut at age eighteen, Colin Andrews has been recognized as a musician of great versatility, power, and artistry. Born in Bristol, England, Andrews entered London’s Royal Academy of Music at sixteen. His many awards include two prizes at the Dublin International Organ Competitions. The Royal Academy of Music bestowed an associateship upon him in recognition of his distinguished performing career. Andrews tours internationally as a solo recitalist and in solo and ensemble concerts.

This CD was recorded at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greensville, North Carolina. The Church engaged one of the country's leading acousticians, Dana Kirkegaard to create a space that possesses a superb acoustic of over 7 seconds. Loft Recordings’ proprietary 24-bit technology was employed to capture the full detail of the acoustics, and the tremendous tonal and dynamic range of the organ.

The C.B. Fisk firm of Massachusetts built the three-manual mechanical action organ (Opus 126) incorporating elements of the French Romantic organ, which makes it ideal for this repertoire.