David Ponsford - Balbastre: French Organ Music from the Golden Age, Vol. 9 (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Prélude et Fugue in D Minor: I. Prélude
02. Prélude et Fugue in D Minor: II. Fugue
03. Duo in D Minor
04. Récit in F Major
05. Grand Jeux et Fugue in D Minor: I. Prélude
06. Grand Jeux et Fugue in D Minor: II. Fugue
07. Fugue – Basse de trompette in F Major
08. Duo in F Major
09. Trio à trois mains in B-Flat Major
10. Fugue in F Major
11. Concerto in D Major: I. Prélude
12. Concerto in D Major: II. Allegro
13. Concerto in D Major: III. Gavotte
14. Concerto in D Major: IV. Allegro
15. Duo in A Minor
16. Fugue - Gravement in D Minor
17. Trio – Basse de cromorne
18. Grand jeux in A Minor
19. Concert de flûte avec la voix humaine
20. Dialogue et Rondeau in G Major: I. Dialogue
21. Dialogue et Rondeau in G Major: II. Rondeau
22. Air in G Minor
23. Prélude et Dialogue in D Major: I. Prélude
24. Prélude et Dialogue in D Major: II. Dialogue
25. Trio - Giga in A Minor
26. Tapage in C Major

French organ music from the period of Louis XIV to the Revolution has always held fascination for performers and listeners alike. The kaleidoscope of colours, the rich and varied styles, and the sheer exuberance of the music never fail to captivate. Yet, performance practice of this music has never been fully understood.

David Ponsford has spent much of his career studying this repertoire, resulting in his book French Organ Music in the Reign of Louis XIV (Cambridge University Press, 2011). The present series of recordings on the most important historical organs in France is therefore the fruit of many years of research by a seasoned performer whose aim is to combine technical brilliance with intellectual understanding, to bring the music alive with authority and meaning.