ORGANIX 06 closes with a ravishing program of French organ & choral music focussing primarily on three French masters of the 20th century; Charles Tournemire (1870-1939), Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) and Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992). The musical language of Tournemire and Duruflé (who was assistant to Tournemire at St. Clotilde in Paris during the 1920's), derives from plainchant, as evidenced by Duruflé's Requiem and Messe cum Jubilo. It is also integral to Tournemire's organ symphonies and his collection L'Orgue mystique. Duruflé quotes plainchant directly, using it as the principal thematic material in his musical creations. Tournemire went further in his later works (he was the more prolific composer of the two), incorporating not just plainchant and the modal harmonies derived from it, but Hindu modes as well. Tournemire's eight orchestral symphonies manifest his interest in mystical themes, medieval architecture and early Christian spirituality. Messiaen shared the same musical heritage as Duruflé and Tournemire and likewise manifested his Christian faith through music. However, his influences broadened beyond plainchant and modality to include bird calls, serial techniques applied to rhythm and pitch, and oriental and medieval rhythm. He was also an early advocate of electronic instruments, composing "Fete des belles eaux" for six ondes martenot to accompany a display of fountains on the Seine at the 1937 Paris Exposition. As an organist, Messiaen occasionally assisted Tournemire at St. Clotilde and greatly admired his works. In 1931 Messiaen was appointed organist of La Trinité (Paris) where he remained until his death in 1992. During this tenure of over 60 years, his weekly improvisations for Sunday liturgy inspired an extensive repertoire for organ that is considered the most significant of the twentieth century.

For more information on the artists, click on BIOS. The program for The French Masters will be as follows: