Encounter with Notre Dame

Nearly 50 years ago, I heard the organist of Notre Dame, Paris, Pierre Cochereau, in concert at the Ohio State University.  It was Wed-Apr-12-1972.   Now, as this icon of Western Christendom and a birthplace of the Western classical music tradition burns, many hearts are sinking a bit, mine included.

Here was the program from M. Cochereau:

Perotin le Grand Pedal point en triple
Raquet Fantaisie
Dacquin Noel sur lees flutes
Calviere Pieces breves
Vierne Sym. No 2 for grand organ, excerpts
Saint-Martin Offertoire sur two noels
Cochereau Improvisations on two themes

One of the themes was "Carmen Ohio," the alma mater of our great university.  His improvisation was remarkable.

I well recall this was a cold, rainy night.  Only a few devotees turned out to find seats in the cavernous Mershon Auditorium.  We went backstage afterwards.  Monsieur Cochereau was most gracious to meet his public.

Sadly, this great artist suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed on 12 years later, just 59.  His art lives on, and ones feels certain, even today as the flames rage, that his ancient, venerable Notre Dame will be rebuilt and live on, too.