Langlais: Organ Music Vol. 2

Benati, Giorgio, Caporali, Fausto, Perin, Alessandro

96361

Volume 2 of the recording of the complete organ works by Jean Langlais.

Jean Langlais was born on February 15, 1907, in La Fontenelle, Brittany, France. He became blind from the age of two. Sent to the Paris National Institute for the Blind Youth in 1918, he studied piano, violin, harmony and organ with great blind teachers (among others Albert Mahaut and André Marchal). Later on, he entered the Paris National Conservatory of Music in the Marcel Dupré’s organ class, obtaining a First Prize in 1930. In 1931, after studying improvisation with Charles Tournemire, he received the “Grand Prix d’Execution et Improvisation des Amis de l’Orgue”. He completed his studies obtaining a Composition Prize in Paul Dukas’ class at the Paris Conservatory in 1934.

In 1945, he became the successor to César Franck and Charles Tournemire at the prestigious organ tribune of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. He gave countless concerts worldwide, and was a prolific composer. He died on May 8th, 1991 in Paris.

Langlais’ distinctive style combined traditional harmonies with contemporary techniques. His compositions often feature intricate organ textures and colorful harmonies, influenced by his background as a church musician. Langlais was also known for his use of modes and complex rhythms, which added to the unique character of his music. His works often have a strong emotional intensity and sense of drama, with frequent shifts in mood and dynamics.

This second volume of Langlais’ complete organ works is played by three excellent Italian organists: Fausto Caporali, Giorgio Benati and Alessandro Perin, playing impressive organs in Milan, Verona and Padova, the technical specifications of which are included in the extensive booklet.

Works:

• Jean Langlais: Orgelsymphonien Nr. 1 & 3
• Jean Langlais: 2 Offertoires pour tous les temps
• Jean Langlais: 8 Chants de Bretagne
• Jean Langlais: Chant des Bergers
• Jean Langlais: Priere des Mages
• Jean Langlais: Suite medievale en forme de Messe basse
• Jean Langlais: Etudes de Concert pour pedale seule Nr. 1-4, 6-8
• Jean Langlais: Poem of Happiness
• Jean Langlais: Triptyque;
• Jean Langlais: osaique 1
• Jean Langlais: 3 Offertoires
• Jean Langlais: 3 Meditations sur la Sainte Trinite
• Jean Langlais: Dominica in Palmis
• Jean Langlais: Incantation pour un jour saint
• Jean Langlais: Office de la Fete de la Sainte-Trinite
• Jean Langlais: Office pour la Sainte famille
• Jean Langlais: 2 Pieces breves
• Jean Langlais: 3 Pieces faciles; Fete
• Jean Langlais: Triptyque gregorien
• Jean Langlais: Fantasy on two Old Scottish Themes
• Jean Langlais: Folklroric Suite
• Jean Langlais: Minature II
• Jean Langlais: 3 Charakterstücke

CD x 5

Brilliant Classics

7/2/24

5028421963617