Search - Jehan Alain, Eric Lebrun :: Alain: Organ Works, Vol. 2

Excellent

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 04/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alain should have been one of the greatest composers of the century, based on his early output. His style had incredible virtuosity to it, combining secular and religiously based concepts. Had he survived the 2nd World War (He was killed in 1940 by a Nazi bomb raid- a mere 29 years old) he would likely have surpassed his contemporary Olivier Messiaen and been the greatest composer of Organ music of this century.Such bragging on my part has as its backing, the output of Alain's work that we do have to enjoy today. This volume (the 2nd of 2) released by Naxos features the excellent work of organist Eric Lebrun and the Cavaille-Coll organ of the Church of Saint-Antoine des Quinze-Vingts in Paris. As I explained in my review of Vol.1, this type of organ is exactly the type Alain wanted his pieces played on, and Lebrun, (who studied under Alain's sister, the famed Maire-Claire Alain) showcases his complete understanding of Alain's sonic world and does it absolute justice.As with Vol.1, Alain's works are hauntingly beautiful, with his "3 Danses" being my personal favorite piece of his. The use of unresolved chords for effect is somewhat reminiscent of the opening movement of Beethoven's "5th" symphony, while its virtousity reminds me somewhat of Bach's "Passagalia and Fugue in C minor." Intentional or not, the effect is amazing. Also of note are the "Variations sur L'Hymme 'Lucis Creator.' Lebrun is at his best on these pieces, bringing a whole new life and vitality to them. Stunning.Because it is a Naxos release, money is no excuse to not purchase this, and its companion 2 cd, disc. Other than Maire-Claire Alain, one will not likely find more competent readings of Alain's works than Lebrun's. Fans of organ music will love it, and I think you will, as well."

A top recommendation.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 09/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any Internet browser, even those with only half an ear, or only half a finger, or half a day's pay in the bank, should add this CD to their shopping cart. Better still, select its companion volume as well, and you'll have the complete organ works of Jehan Alain (1911-1940). Here is music that repays repeated listening. You'll not find organ music that is mainly bombast, and special effects; you'll find the quieter, more subtle potentialities of a large pipe organ used in music that is full of intriguing harmonies and gentle colourings. Renowned organist Marie-Claire Alain has written, without a trace of sentimentality, of the life of her eldest brother, and of helping, as a small child, to gather up his effects including pages of music from the site where he was killed during the German invasion of France in May 1940. Her own recordings of his organ works will always carry a special authority, but a worthy and welcome alternative is now available in these modestly priced and very well recorded CDs made by Eric Lebrun playing on the Cavaille-Coll Organ on the Church of Sainte-Antoine des Quinze-Vingts, Paris."