The name of Louis Vierne (1870-1937) will be associated with organ music immediately. As did quite a few other 19th-century organists/composers he used the instrument as a means to perform ‘symphonic’ music. The scope in this respect was greatly enhanced by the new organs built at the time, for instance by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

The blend of styles in this music for organ 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 (five movement) 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.

Dutch organist Hayo Boerema is organist of the Great or St. Laurens Church of Rotterdam, where the present CDs were recorded on its magnificent Marcussen organ. Boerema has a special affinity with French organ music, he is currently recording all of Messiaen’s organ music and has already released the organ music by Alain. For this he received the silver medal from the Société Académique d’Education et d’Encouragement ‘Arts,

• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 14
• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 20
• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 3 in F sharp minor, Op. 28
• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 4 in G minor, Op. 32
• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 5 in A minor, Op. 47
• Vierne, L: Organ Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 59