Carlo Mazzone – Vierne: 24 Pieces En Style Libre Op. 31

The name of Louis Vierne (1870-1937) will be associated with organ music immediately. Like 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 Cavaille-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 Cesar 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 fo