JEAN-BAPTISTE ROBIN (b.1976): Mechanic Fantasy for Organ, Timpani and Strings (Orcessttre Régional de Normandie; Jean Deroyer), Étoile intérieure for Trumpet and Organ, Chant de l’Âme for Clarinet and Organ, Regard vers Agartha for Organ Four Hands, 3 Solos and 5 Versets sur le Veni Creator for Organ.

Description: Robin is a composer-organist with a fresh and original approach to the instrument, based on a combination of traditions to ensure ready accessibility. His approach to tonality, or more accurately a kind of poly-modality, simultaneously provides a sense of familiarity and a constant unpredictability, and there are frequent oblique references to plainchant which again combine the familiar with the arcane and mysterious. A frequent feature is the accumulation of whirling, mechanically propulsive (but not minimalist) passages, a personal take on the exhilarating toccatas of the French organ tradition. Mystical contemplation, as part of dramatic arcs that lead to thrilling climaxes and then recede, is another prominent feature of the composer's style. The Fantaisie mécanique which gives the disc its title is a fast ride in a precision-engineered machine of the utmost brilliance, and if it were the only thing on the CD it would still be worth the price. Jean-Baptiste Robin (organ), François Chaplin (piano), Romain Leleu (trumpet), Philippe Cuper (clarinet), Frédéric Champion (four hands).