Vierne: Complete Organ Music

Rübsam, Wolfgang

96398

Louis Vierne (1870-1937) is one of the most important French romantic composers for the organ. He used the instrument as a means to perform ‘symphonic’ music, inspired by the new possibilities of the new organs built at the time, for instance by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

The blend of styles in his organ music is unique. It contains aspects of Romanticism combined with an impressionistic ‘pastel-like’ quality. Like many of his contemporary colleagues Vierne felt a strong fascination with Wagnerian chromaticism.

An admirer and pupil of César Franck at thirty, the virtually blind Vierne was appointed organist at the Paris Notre Dame. Among many other pieces for organ he wrote six symphonies, which became standard organ repertoire. Franck inspired him in the use of cyclical elements and harmonic refinement, whereas Widor’s influence is clear in the use of the organ and the classical forms.

This recording contains the complete organ works by Louis Vierne, including the 6 Organ Symphonies and numerous character pieces called “Pièces en style libre” (pieces in a free style).

Wolfgang Rübsam is internationally known through over a hundred highly acclaimed recordings of organ repertoire from the Baroque and Romantic periods including recent Bach recordings on the lute-harpsichord. He gives frequent recitals and masterclasses in the United States and Europe and has served on the juries of the most prestigious international competitions.

CD x 8

Brilliant Classics

3/2/22

5028421963983