Louis Vierne

b. Poiters, October 8, 1870
d. Paris, June 2, 1937

Biography

Louis Vierne, the great French organist, began his auspicious musical career under the direction of César Franck and CharlesMarie Widor at the Paris Conservatory, where he won first prize for organ playing. In 1892 Vierne became Widoršs assistant at St. Sulpice; in 1900 he was appointed organist at the cathedral of Notre Dame, a post he retained until his death.

Vierne was also an accomplished performer and pedagogue. He toured extensively throughout Europe and in 1927 he visited the United States. He taught at the Schola Cantorum from 1912, and instructed such musicians as Marcel Dupré and Nadia Boulanger at the Paris Conservatory.

Vierne's works are technically demanding, becoming increasingly difficult in his later symphonies. His registrations explore the entire language of the immense symphonic organs of Cavaillé-Coll. His six organ symphonies represent the culmination of the French symphonic style.

Points of Interest

Among Vierne's American organ students was Alexander Schreiner, famed organist at the Mormon Tabernacle.
Vierne passed away at the keyboard while performing a concert in Notre Dame.

Works

6 organ symphonies
Piéces de Fantasie
24 pieces