Escaich: Le Dernier évangile - Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Maîtrise Notre Dame de Paris, John Nelson

"And the word became flesh."

The work was created in Saint-Malo in June 2000, commissioned by Pierre Marion, parish priest of the cathedral. It was part of the celebrations for the year 2000. The Incarnation of the Word of God served as the source of inspiration for its composition.
Written by Thierry Escaich, it comprises five hymns echoing the five sequences of the Prologue of the Gospel of John. The music underscores the universal aspect of the Prologue by incorporating Gregorian themes, Bach chorales, and Orthodox declamations.
He is the organist of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris, where he succeeded Maurice Duruflé. He is now a renowned composer and improviser, recognized both for his concerts and his recordings.
The work was revived at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and recorded.
The Orchestral Ensemble of Paris, founded by Marcel Landowski, has played a significant role in the creation of numerous contemporary works. Under the direction of John Nelson, it has developed a repertoire that includes major works of sacred music.
In addition to its liturgical role, the Notre-Dame de Paris Choir School offers the cathedral high-quality performances by presenting a wide selection of sacred music, including premieres such as Jacques Rebotier's Requiem and Christian Villeneuve's Office of the Virgin.
Olivier Latry is the titular organist of Notre-Dame de Paris. On the international stage, he is considered one of the most talented ambassadors of French organ music.
The culmination of a creative process in which Art and Faith engage in dialogue,
the Institute of Sacred Arts of the Catholic Institute of Paris supported the entire project from its inception to its performance in concert and on record.

Thierry Escaich, orgue
Olivier Latry, orgue
Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris
Nicole Corti
John Nelson, direction

Grand orgue de l'Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Thierry ESCAICH (1965--)
     Le Dernier Évangile     
1.    Acclamation    1'40
2.    I. Hymne à la Genèse    10'06
3.    II. Hymne à la Lumière    6'05
4.    III. Hymne d'Imploration    9'01
5.    IV. Hymne Baptismale    6'49
6.    V. Hymne de Gloire    5'06
     Trois Danses improvisées     
7.    Première Danse sur le choral « Herzliebster Jesu » de la Passion selon saint Jean de J.S. Bach    6'14
8.    Deuxième Danse sur le thème grégorien du Stabat Mater    7'20
9.    Troisième Danse sur le choral final de la Passion selon saint Jean de J.S. Bach et le choral « Herzliebster Jesu »    5'29
10.    Poème symphonique improvisé sur un extrait de l'Apocalypse de saint Jean ouverture du septième sceau, chap. 8    9'14