Pierre Cochereau et l'improvisation

Prefaced by François-Henri Houbart

Michel Robert's book gives us a good insight into the endearing, humorous and sometimes teasing Pierre Cochereau, who remains a benchmark for improvisation and continues to fascinate. The author of this book shares anecdotes about the master (who, incidentally, hated to be called "Master"). 

He sheds light on Pierre Cochereau's influences and gives a magnificent analysis of his improvisations, his personal and rich language, his science of rhythm, from that monumental work in December 1963: the Symphonie improvisée and the Treize improvisations sur les versets de Vêpres (Philips).

Cochereau loved contact - he was very warm-hearted - and, with regard to young musicians, he always listened to them, immensely benevolent, constantly encouraging and advising them.

Thank you to Michel Robert for making this great personality of twentieth-century music, Pierre Cochereau, even better known, and for the great contribution he made to the organ and to music in general.