Description Naji Hakim (born 1955 in Beirut) was a pupil of Jean Langlais and he studied at the Conservatiore National Superiere de Paris, where he won first prizes in each discipline. He has also won first prizes in the organ competitions in Haarlem, Beauvais, Lyon, Nuremberg, St Albans, Strasbourg and Rennes. He was titulaire in the Scare Coeur from 1985-93 and upon the death of Olivier Messiaen became his successor in that organ loft until the present day. The organ is mostly Cavaille-Coll with some additions/changes by Mutin and Jean Renaud. The organ was originally built for the Baron Albert de Espée for his castle music room in Ilbarritz by Cavaille-Coll (IV/70). The baron then wanted another organ to replace it in 1905, and the old instrument was sold to Charles Mutin and assembled in his workshops. It was altered to make it less orchestral in outlook and eventually sold to the Sacre Coeur in 1914 (then still unfinished) and installed in 1919. Resorations and renovations in 1930 & 1960 led to some unwise additions and it was in very poor condition by 1980 when a complete restoration was planned. The restored organ was dedicated on Whitsun 1985. This Final comes from Hakim's triptych Hommage á Igor Stravinsky (Stravinsky is one of his greatest influences), the triptych consists of a Prélude, Danse and Final all based on gregorian themes. It was first performed at the Royal Festival Hall, London in November 1987. This recording comes from the Priory Records label, PRCD 327 Great <b>...</b>
