Cromorne en taille (Suite du quatrième ton) - Jean-Adam Guilain

This piece was recorded on the St. Pons-de-Thomières, Micot Organ (1771), using the Hauptwerk VPO software. It's written by Jean-Adam Guilain who is a French Classical composer. When we think of French Classical composers for the organ, we immediately think of the likes of Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, François Couperin and Nicolas de Grigny. However, I think Guilain shouldn't be so overlooked. His single collection of organ pieces (Pièces d'orgue pour le Magnificat sur les huit tons différents de l'église) is the only surviving pieces we have today. This consists of four suites each with several movements in the traditional French Classical style.

This Cromorne en taille is from Suite du quatrième ton and it's quite special to me as it's one of the earliest pieces I remembered learning. The title means that the Cromorne stop is to be played in the tenor register. I was so captivated recording and playing this piece on the St. Pons instrument because I previously had not experienced such repertoire on the instrument it was designed for. I hope you will agree, that whilst as melancholic as it is, the work is very beautiful and contemplative.

For reference, here is the specification of the St. Pons organ:

Specification:

1. Positif C–d3
   Bourdon 8'
   Prestant 4'
   Doublette 2'
   Fourniture III
   Cymbale II
   Flute 4'-8'
   Nazard 2 2/3'
   Tierce 1 3/5'
   Larigot 1 1/3'
   Cromorne 8'

2. Grand Orgue C–d3
   Bourdon-Montre 16'
   Montre 8'
   Bourdon 8'
   Prestant 4'
   Doublette 2'
   Fourniture IV
   Cymbale III
   Nazard 2 2/3'
   Quarte de Nazard 2'
   Tierce 1 3/5'
   Grand Cornet V
   Trompette 8'
   Clairon 4'
   Voix Humaine 8'

3. Récit c1–d3
   Cornet V
   Trompette 8'

Pedal C–c1 (f1 ext.)
Flute 8'
Flute 4'
Trompette 8'
Clairon 4'
Bourdon-Montre 16'

Bourdon-Montre 16' in the pedal is a virtual transmission from GO, not present on the original organ. This virtually added stop can be found only on the Simple jamb.
Couplers:

Pos/G.O. 8';
Accessories: Tremblant Doux, Tremblant Fort.

Source