The recordings were made on the Marcussen & Søn organ of the Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, which was rebuilt after being severely damaged in the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam.
Composer Biography
Vierne studied organ with his idol, César Franck, but Franck died only a few months later in a tram accident.
Composer Biography
Louis Vierne, the composer, was born practically blind and struggled with poor health throughout his life.
Compositional Technique
Vierne's organ symphonies combine César Franck's harmonic refinement and use of cyclic elements with Charles-Marie Widor's handling of organ possibilities and strict classical form.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vierne's organ symphonies brought the genre, created by his teacher Charles-Marie Widor, to its full fruition.
Composer Biography
Vierne's uncle, Charles Colin, an oboe teacher at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris, discovered and encouraged his musical talent.
Performer Biography
Hayo Boerema, the organist on this album, has won prizes at various international competitions and is the organist of the Grote of St. Laurenskerk in Rotterdam.
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