Were it not for his sister's careful research and exemplary performances of his music, Jehan Alain's fame might rest almost exclusively on his ecstatic toccata Litanies. Marie-Claire Alain has gathered every extant organ piece of his on two discs, and the composer's output is thus given its due. The second volume of Alain's complete organ works includes one piece that approaches Litanies in originality and color, the mysterious Danses. Well-known to organists, yet deserving of a much wider audience, this piece captures much ...
Read More
Were it not for his sister's careful research and exemplary performances of his music, Jehan Alain's fame might rest almost exclusively on his ecstatic toccata Litanies. Marie-Claire Alain has gathered every extant organ piece of his on two discs, and the composer's output is thus given its due. The second volume of Alain's complete organ works includes one piece that approaches Litanies in originality and color, the mysterious Danses. Well-known to organists, yet deserving of a much wider audience, this piece captures much of Alain's visionary character and offers insights into his elaborate compositional processes. Another highlight is Le jardin suspendu, an ethereal chaconne tinged with Alain's intensely personal mysticism. Also noteworthy is the odd and amusing Fantasmagorie, which receives its premiere recording here. Marie-Claire Alain performs on three different instruments familiar to the composer: two church organs he played or heard, and the Alain family organ constructed by their father...
Read Less