In Rouen, students of a masterclass practice their scales on the abbey organ, a masterpiece by Cavaillé-Coll

Led by Jean-Baptiste Monnot, this course offers students the chance to play one of the most exceptional instruments in the world, in the heart of the Saint-Ouen abbey.

Every summer since 2016, an organ masterclass has brought together young students from all over the world in Rouen to perfect their technique. This year, there are thirteen of them, aged 18 to 27 (of nine different nationalities, from Europe, Asia and the United States) who are taking interpretation classes until August 3rd, given by Jean-Baptiste Monnot, titular of the Saint-Ouen abbey church in Rouen, professor at the Rueil-Malmaison conservatory and the IMEP in Namur (Belgium).

Everything contributes to making this course unique: the location – a majestic abbey church, a rare example of flamboyant Gothic –, the professor (one of the best in the world) and above all the Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ, which Jean-Baptiste Monnot does not hesitate to describe as “star” so exceptional is the instrument for organists around the world.

For the uninitiated, the name Cavailllé-Coll may not mean anything. For music lovers, it is that of a dynasty of organ builders who reigned over this craft for five generations. Belonging to the fourth, Aristide Cavaillé-Coll is considered the “genius” of this family. “These instruments, the product of a truly organized industry, are of the highest quality in terms of both materials and sound design, surpassing its competitors with unrivaled know-how.”we can read on the ResMusica website.

The abbey already had an organ in the 16th century, which was destroyed by the Huguenots in 1562. In 1630, a new instrument was built by Crespin Carlier. Let’s skip over all the vicissitudes encountered by this organ to arrive in 1851 when Aristide Cavailllé-Coll was called to check it. He ranked it among the greatest instruments in France and undertook its modification while keeping certain elements (piping, existing games and buffet from 1630).

The organ is composed of four large keyboards, with 64 stops, the oldest of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It was inaugurated by the Lyon organist Charles-Marie Widor on April 17, 1890. This instrument is considered the last masterpiece of Aristide Cavaillé-Collé’s career.

But the Rolls Royce of organs is not indestructible. According to JB. Monnot, “BMany of the elements are at the end of their life. There are tens of thousands of metal parts and all the leather and felt to prevent friction is worn out.”

To finance the restoration work on the organ (estimated at around one million euros), the abbey association chaired by Jean-Baptiste Monnot is organising paid concerts every Sunday at 5pm. The work should last one year, between 2027 and 2028.

Please note: a student concert closes the masterclass on Saturday. 3 August at 5 p.m., at the Saint-Ouen abbey (free entry).
This concert also marks the opening of the Cavaillé-Coll Organ Festival which will take place from 3 to 25 august 2024.