Michael's Music Service

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Jean Langlais (1907–1991)

General Back

Jean Langlais was one of France's foremost composers (more than 300 works) and performers of the organ. In addition to being organist of the church of St Clothilde, Paris, from 1945-87, he toured the world as an organ performer, even though he was blind from birth.

 

Ave Verum, from Trois Prieres Back

In 1949, he published Trois Prieres (Three Prayers) for voice or choir that are settings of traditional Latin liturgical texts in French. The translation is: "Hail, true body, born of the Virgin Mary. Truly suffered, died on the cross for mankind. From whose pierced side flowed water and blood. Be for us a foretaste of death at the last hour. O gentle Jesus, O holy Jesus, O Jesus, son of Mary, have compassion on us. Amen."

 

Flûtes Back

The piece heard today is from his Organ Book and contrasts the various flutes in the organ.

 

Prelude Modal Back

From his Twenty-four Pieces, this is a meditation using Langlais' subtle and colorful musical language which masterfully illustrates the many colors found in the organ.