Vierne's organ compositions are deeply connected to the symphonic organ type built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, a renowned organ builder whose instruments inspired Vierne's work.
Instruments
The Ernest M. Skinner organ at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Chicago, featured in this recording, is one of four significant organs built by Skinner in the pre-Aeolian Skinner years, known for its full orchestral sound.
Composer Biography
Vierne became the Titulary Organist of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris in 1900, a prestigious position he held until his death in 1937.
Instruments
The Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ at Saint-François-de-Sales, Lyon, used in this recording, is an authentic instrument classified as a 'Historical monument' since 1977, with its tonal structure and action remaining unmodified.
Compositional Technique
Vierne's later organ works, particularly the symphonies and fantasy pieces, feature complex chromatic harmonies that push the boundaries of late Romanticism, sometimes bordering on atonality.
Composer Biography
Louis Vierne, the composer, was born almost blind and experienced a life marked by numerous personal misfortunes, including the deaths of family members and severe health issues.
Performer Biography
Wolfgang Rübsam, the performer, won the 1973 Grand Prix de Chartres in Interpretation and served as University Organist of the University of Chicago at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.
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