Vierne: 24 Pièces en style libre, Op. 31

Featuring

Carlo Mazzone
Louis Vierne

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Composer Biography

Louis Vierne died in 1937 during his last concert on the organ of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he had been the titular organist since 1900.

Composition History

Louis Vierne's 24 Pièces en Style Libre, Op. 31, was composed in 1913 and published in 1914 by the Parisian publisher Durand & Fils.

Compositional Technique

The musical notation for Louis Vierne's 24 Pièces en Style Libre does not require independent pedal use and is intended for harmonium or a modest two-manual organ.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Despite the composer's preface suggesting the pieces' lengths relate to the Roman Catholic offertory, the collection's title "free style" and the character of each piece indicate they stem from genuine inspiration.

Composer Biography

Louis Vierne, the composer, was visually impaired from birth and completely blind from 1918, experiencing a life marked by personal losses and professional disappointments.

Performer Biography

Carlo Mazzone, the organist on this recording, began his musical career at a young age in the 'Fanciulli Cantori della Cappella Musicale del Duomo di Milano' choir.

Instruments

The 1999 'Andrea Zeni' organ, built for the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo, was designed to be fully suited for French organ repertoire of the second half of the 19th century.