Grand Choeur

Here are three pieces by what is called two « post-classical » French composers, Jean-Jacques Beauvarlet-Charpentier (1734-1794) and Guillaume Lasceux (1740-1831). They both were famous parisian organists in their time, the first one at Notre-Dame, the second one at St Etienne-du-Mont.

The post-classical period in France is the period that « serious » (pedantic ? ) people considered until recently as an organistic no-mans’ land ranging from the death of Grigny, Clerambault and so on to Boely and Lefebure-Wely(roughly 1740-1840 or even 1860). Organ music composed then was largely unknown and/or despised, but the Noels of Daquin (played but nevertheless considered with some condescendance).

I think it is unfair. It is not a metaphysical music, but (in my taste) it is fresh, with a flavour of galant style, unpretentious and pleasing to play, It constitutes the « missing link » beetween Couperin-Grigny and Lefebure, Boely and even the young Franck. But you will judge by yourself (and perhaps not agree ☺).

Saint-Maximin is perfect to play these pieces : it is a typical post-classical organ (1775) = a French classical organ + pedal 16’, a pedal and manuel Bombard, a oboe in Recit, more than one trumpet on the Great and at Positif not only a cromorne but also trompette and clairon. The period was, already, looking for more power and more bass tone.

Some post-classical music is available on IMSLP.