The Cavaillé-Coll organ in the cathedral of Saint-Omer is testament to the skill and talent of its famous constructor. The instrument’s sonic aesthetics naturally combine refinement and opulence. The organ is thus an ideal medium to convey the musical and sonic transformations presented by this recording: Shostakovich’s string quartet movements, piano pieces by Prokofiev and Rachmaninov as well as orchestral works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky are all expanded by the transcriptions which bring out surprising sounds and details of the original works, creating new and unique listening experiences.

Sophie Rétaux is titular organist of the Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saint-Omer (France). To promote this exceptional instrument, she began transcribing major works of the chamber music and symphonic repertoire from the post-romantic and modern periods for her instrument. Several Prizes at international organ competitions launched her concert career in France and abroad. An avid chamber musician, she performs as frequently on the piano as she does on the organ, as well as on the harpsichord and the fortepiano.