Composer: Various
Works: Marius Constant – Alleluias; Henri Tomasi – Semaine Sainte à Cuzco; André Jolivet – Arioso barocco; Henri Sauguet – Non morietur in æternum; Pierre Jansen – Processional; Erik Satie – La Statue retrouvée; Jean-Michel Damase – Trois Prières sans paroles; Naji Hakim – Sonata for Trumpet and Organ
Performers: Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet), Simon Preston (organ)
Recording: Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark, May 2000
Label: BIS
The album “sans Paroles: French Music for Trumpet and Organ” presents a compelling array of works that illuminate the trumpet’s versatility alongside the organ’s rich tapestry. Spanning the 20th century and beyond, the selected pieces offer a vibrant dialogue between two instruments, showcasing the unique timbral qualities of each composer. This recording features a roster of notable French composers, each contributing to the evolving language of the trumpet, which has often been overshadowed by the more prevalent orchestral roles.
Håkan Hardenberger’s performance is a masterclass in both technical precision and expressive nuance. His sound is both brilliant and warm, allowing the trumpet to soar effortlessly through the various registers. The opening work, Marius Constant’s “Alleluias,” while perhaps lacking in memorable thematic development, benefits from Hardenberger’s ability to infuse vitality into its repetitive motifs. The clarity of articulation in the trumpet lines stands in stark contrast to the lush organ textures provided by Simon Preston, whose playing is both supportive and nuanced, albeit occasionally buried within the mix.
Henri Tomasi’s “Semaine Sainte à Cuzco” emerges as a highlight of the disc. The piece’s intricate interplay between the trumpet and organ reflects a deep understanding of both instruments’ capabilities. Hardenberger’s fanfare-like passages are crisp and resonant, capturing the celebratory essence of the work, while Preston’s organ part is skillfully layered, providing a rich harmonic foundation that ebbs and flows with the trumpet’s melodic lines. The work’s contrasting sections are executed with a deftness that speaks to the performers’ keen interpretive insights.
André Jolivet’s “Arioso barocco” introduces a contemplative character that diverges from the more exuberant pieces. Its inspiration from baroque forms is evident, and the contemplative nature of the music is enhanced by the spacious acoustics of Aarhus Cathedral. The high, soaring trumpet phrases resonate magnificently within the space, creating an ethereal quality that lingers in the air. Here, both performers display a remarkable sensitivity to the music’s emotional landscape, with Preston’s organ providing a subtle counterpoint that enriches the overall texture.
In contrast, Naji Hakim’s “Sonata for Trumpet and Organ” offers a more lively and jazzy perspective, with its first movement echoing the spirit of Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” The interplay between the trumpet and organ is dynamic, with Hardenberger demonstrating a playful virtuosity that is infectious. The whimsical nature of the writing allows for moments of levity, while the organ complements the trumpet with vibrant harmonic support.
While the disc showcases a variety of styles, not all pieces resonate equally. Jean-Michel Damase’s “Trois Prières sans paroles” presents a charming, lyrical quality reminiscent of Poulenc, and Hardenberger’s legato style shines here. However, Pierre Jansen’s “Processional” and Henri Sauguet’s “Non morietur in æternum” are less compelling, with the former lacking thematic development that sustains interest. This inconsistency among the works might draw the listener’s attention away, though the performances remain consistently high-caliber throughout.
Engineered with care, the recording captures the unique acoustics of the cathedral, though the balance favors the trumpet at times, occasionally overshadowing the organ’s contributions. Audiophiles will appreciate the clarity of the trumpet, but a more intimate placement of the organ could enhance the overall experience.
The combination of Håkan Hardenberger’s virtuosic trumpet playing and Simon Preston’s sensitive organ accompaniment creates a rich listening experience that elevates the selected repertoire. The musicians’ commitment and interpretive depth breathe life into the music, making this recording a worthwhile exploration of an often underrepresented instrumental combination in the classical canon. Each performance is imbued with a distinct character, ensuring that the album stands not only as an homage to French music but also as a testament to the capabilities of the trumpet and organ duo.
