Louis Vierne - Organ Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Marie-Claire Alain)

Information

Composer: Louis Vierne

CD1

• Organ Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 20
• Organ Symphony No. 4 in G minor, Op. 32

CD2

• Organ Symphony No. 3 in F sharp minor, Op. 28
• Organ Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 14

Marie-Claire Alain, organ

Date: 1990

Label: Erato

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Louis Vierne (8 October 1870 – 2 June 1937) was a renowned French organist and composer. Born with severe visual impairment, he overcame significant challenges to become one of the leading figures of the French organ tradition. Educated under influential musicians including César Franck and Charles-Marie Widor, Vierne developed a distinctive style characterized by rich harmonies and symphonic textures. His most celebrated works include six organ symphonies, numerous fantasy pieces, and sacred choral compositions. He died dramatically while performing at Notre-Dame, fulfilling his wish to die at the organ console.

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Marie-Claire Alain (10 August 1926 – 26 February 2013) was a French organist, scholar and teacher. She was the sister of the famous organist-composers Jehan Alain. Marie-Claire Alain was commonly deemed one of the most illustrious organists of her generation, and bore an international reputation. Her prolific recording career includes 260 recordings, making her the most-recorded classical organist in the world. She was a specialist in Bach, making three recordings of his complete organ works, as well as French organ music. Alain taught at the conservatory of Rueil-Malmaison and the Paris Conservatory.

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