@robertgift The slow tempo is a result of 1. The fashion of the time and 2. The enormity of the acoustic in Notre Dame de Paris...... Incidentally, North American organist do tend to play too fast, they spoil the shape and beauty of the inner muisc.
@christianvs1 There is a good reason why many American organists choose such fast tempi: American churches are notorious for having poor acoustics. The average European church is not afflicted with such sound-destroying accoutrements as carpet and acoustical tile. American architects show little understanding of what makes for good acoustics for choirs, organs, and/or congregational singing.
@GeoffreySimonOnline Gosh.....indeed! Too much style and not enough historical tradition; but then the Americas are only 400-500yrs old. On the other hand one could say that they haven't leant much from us in Europe!
Vierne.. such a visionary.. his life was sad. I find his tempo of In Dir Ist Freude far too slow for any other organ. But I feel that there are a number of practical and artistic reasons for his tempo.. Particularly the tonal colors of the organ he is playing : )
I know nothing at all about Vierne's feelings regarding the Notre Dame organ and console. To this extent I agree that I am ignorant. I do know, however, that the late Sydney organist, Alan Moffat, told me that he inspected the Vierne console and ascertained that Vierne's registration indications were able to be easily carried out on it. If it is sentimental to want the Vierne (or the Franck) organ and console restored to their original form I agree that I am sentimental.
Franck console is unlikely to be re-installed in the near future, as Bernard Dargassies just installed two totally new consoles (one up on the organ loft and one down in the nave)... I heard Olivier Latry is really 'pro' re-installing the old console and the 'Positif de Dos' ;)
@GJmusique - you know the Positif de Dos was removed under Viollet-le-Duc's restoration of ND, and that it never had one in Vierne's time?
And no, Franck's console at SC shouldn't be reinstalled: it's got just 54/27 compasses, very restricting. A very near replica with modern compasses, combined with a restoration of the organ to a more C-C sound? Fine, but to reinstate the 54/27 compasses would preclude the performance of so much wonderful music...
Those of you who imagine that the 1868 console was so great are obviously unaware that Vierne didnt like it. In 1924 EM Skinner offered to donate a console and the church refused. Vierne drew up plans in 1928 to make sweeping changes including an English knob console. So sentimentality and ignorant posts aside its obvious just how little all of you know about Viernes feelings regarding the organ and the console.
Thanks very much for posting this footage. I hope that the Vierne console will be reinstated one day and the organ restored to its former unmutilated glory.
Très émouvant de voir et d'entendre jouer ce si génial compositeur. Un document historique d'un des plus éminents représentant de l'Ecole d'Orgue Française dont la renommée est mondiale. Merci d'avoir mis cette vidéo en ligne.
@3NUNS - indeed. I studied this for my History GCSE. It is my firm belief that, had Clémenceau and Lloyd-George listened to the moderating voice of Woodrow Wilson and not sought to punish Germany, the Weimar Republic would have risen to prosperity, Hitler would never have been elected and would have had about as much influence on his country's policies as Nick Griffin of the BNP does here in Britain...
Great to see this. Louis Vierne was a genius who had many misfortunes in his life: born blind, lost his brother in WW1 not to mention his wife's infidelity and yet he produced some of the most powerful organ music ever written. Just listen to the final from his 6th Symphony. You will find it on my favorites page.
I thought he had limited sight from childhood as a result of juvenile-onset glaucoma. The disability doesn't matter, though. Widor recognized his prodigious talent and helped the young man to become the only organist of the period to approach his abilities.
Wonderful stuff! My guess is he isn't necessarily playing In dir ist Freude, as the actual recording we're hearing is of available on CD - I have it. Also, it appears at one stage that he's playing on separate manuals, which one wouldn't usually do in this piece.
I was at the Notre Dame Museum a couple of weeks ago and disappointingly the console was no longer there. Anybody know where it has got to? The other articles were fascinating though, especially his manuscript. He was truly and amazing musician, and his contribution to the repertoire is immeasurably valuable.
Wonderful to see this video, of performer and instrument. Was at Notre Dame recently for the first time, it is simply an amazing experience hearing that organ!
MonsieurOrgue, the console has been taken out for now as it is being restored. the console is currently in the room before the Notre Dame Loft with the manuals taken out being restored!
When I was at Notre Dame last year I saw it...it's covered up in the corner in the big room behind the organ loft where all the relics of the Cochereau era are.
It was. It is back where it belongs, in the cathedral. It stands now in the room you're passing before entering the organ tribune. A restauration would be a good idea!
If you go to Notre-Dame, be sure to see the Musee Notre-Dame located on a side street next to the cathedral. The original console is there and Vierne's music scores and personal articles are on display. His music writing looks like it was done by an 8 year old with a large pencil!
Vierne died at the organ, as you might know, on Wednesday, June 2, 1937. He had just played his Tryptique, and was preparing to improvise on the gregorian themes of the Virgin Mary (Alma redemptoris mater). All at once he said, "Je vais me trouver mal" (I am going to be ill) and he took out a little vial of smelling salts and sniffed it. Then he said, "Je ne vois plus mes touches." (I can't see the keys any more) Then he collapsed, his left foot hitting low e, then e-flat and e, then just e.
I thought that Vierne was blind, anyways... Or did he have "some" sight? I read that he composed on butcher paper, and his brother transcribed it to regular sized notation.
Vierne was not completely blind. Andre Fleury (a pupil of Vierne's who I knew) said that he had 1/7 of normal vision out his right eye. He had a pocket watch with big letters on it and he would hold it up close to his eye and he could see what time it was. He could see what Notre Dame Cathedral looked like, and the colors of the Stained glass windows, and the red tulips, which he loved to behold, kneeling down close by them. Vierne could write music with a big pencil on large staff paper.
It is amazing what Viere accomplished, even though he was legally blind. Thank-you for posting this. I had never seen a film of Louis Vierne. And thank-you Louis!
he was what we call today, legally blind, but as he got into in later years, his sight deteriorated, and resulted to braille to do improvisations etc.
Oh my! More footage exists? Widor as well?! If ever you can resolve the copyright issue of the Skinner video, Sulpice 1863, there are so many of us out here drooling at the prospect of viewing such priceless images!
And how can I thank you, Vierneguy, for so enriching my life with the info about Vierne's voice? Such tiny details in the grand scheme of things but somehow so affecting and important to those who find Vierne so curiously compelling.
golgiapp--Thanks for your response. I feel exactly as you do about this priceless document. There is another film showing Louis Vierne and Madeleine Richepin outside of Notre Dame. It is in Ernest Skinner's Home Videos, sold about 15 years ago by the Organ Historical Society, I believe.
Litaize said Vierne's voice was rather high, more like that of a tenor. Jean Langlais: light, like his own. Dr. Mallet, like Alain Hobb's voice. Mlle de La Salle: high baritone. I know Latry. Disc?
The Skinner video includes Mlle Richepin and Vierne, as well as clips of Dupre, Widor, and Bonnet walking and standing around outside -- all shot during the 1920s. I was tempted to post these as well, but fear copyright problems if I do.
Many thanks for that info. I knew of the existence of "Les Mains de Paris" from a 1988 CD sleeve note by Olivier Latry who said it was in need of restoration. Never dared hope I'd actually see it!
It's utterly entrancing -as you say, "miraculous!"
Does anyone out there know what Vierne's voice sounded like? I imagine something gentle, quite high and frail perhaps? Or did he have a rich, deep, burgundy tone when he spoke?
Liking the word "Vierneophile", by the way. Definitely applies to me!
This video comes from a film made in Paris about Artists Hands, made about 1934, in which various painters, sculptors and musicians are showcased, and they are photographed using their hands at their work.
You will notice that Vierne is not playing the recorded music, In Thee is Gladness by Bach. But by any standard, being able see a moving picture of him, and not just a still, is the next best thing to seeing him in person. For us Vierneophiles, it is nothing short of miraculous! Vive Vierne
For all organ devotees everywhere, and especially those of us with a particular passion for the ever haunting Vierne, this has to be one of the most priceless fragments of film in existence. No words could properly convey my heartfelt gratitude for posting this astonishing discovery. Where on earth did you locate it?!
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This is Legend!!! Thanks for Posting!
HONGYOUNGEUN 5 days ago
Thank you.
1JeanDeaux 4 weeks ago
great job
Peronter77 1 month ago
Definately the In Dir Ist Freude. I love this piece. An absolute delight to listen to and to play.
Sathrandur 8 months ago
Que grabacion tan bella y documental tan fascinante. Saludos.
HERIBERTO37ify 10 months ago
He is my old grand uncle! So proud:)
berruyeres 1 year ago
He is my olf grand uncle! So proud:)
berruyeres 1 year ago
Thank you, Sulpice, for posting this.
Wonderful seeing Vierne.
His playing of that "Joyous" work is a little slow.
You can post "examples" of the Skinner videos without violating anything.
Give full credit and source where one can buy them.
robertgift 1 year ago
@robertgift The slow tempo is a result of 1. The fashion of the time and 2. The enormity of the acoustic in Notre Dame de Paris...... Incidentally, North American organist do tend to play too fast, they spoil the shape and beauty of the inner muisc.
christianvs1 11 months ago
@christianvs1 There is a good reason why many American organists choose such fast tempi: American churches are notorious for having poor acoustics. The average European church is not afflicted with such sound-destroying accoutrements as carpet and acoustical tile. American architects show little understanding of what makes for good acoustics for choirs, organs, and/or congregational singing.
GeoffreySimonOnline 10 months ago
@GeoffreySimonOnline Gosh.....indeed! Too much style and not enough historical tradition; but then the Americas are only 400-500yrs old. On the other hand one could say that they haven't leant much from us in Europe!
christianvs1 10 months ago
C'est sa musique que j'aurais voulu entendre tout le long. Chanceux nous sommes d'entendre un minuscule extrait.
sdegrace 1 year ago
Vierne.. such a visionary.. his life was sad. I find his tempo of In Dir Ist Freude far too slow for any other organ. But I feel that there are a number of practical and artistic reasons for his tempo.. Particularly the tonal colors of the organ he is playing : )
falaqdad15 1 year ago
I know nothing at all about Vierne's feelings regarding the Notre Dame organ and console. To this extent I agree that I am ignorant. I do know, however, that the late Sydney organist, Alan Moffat, told me that he inspected the Vierne console and ascertained that Vierne's registration indications were able to be easily carried out on it. If it is sentimental to want the Vierne (or the Franck) organ and console restored to their original form I agree that I am sentimental.
gerardbedecarter 1 year ago
@gerardbedecarter
Franck console is unlikely to be re-installed in the near future, as Bernard Dargassies just installed two totally new consoles (one up on the organ loft and one down in the nave)... I heard Olivier Latry is really 'pro' re-installing the old console and the 'Positif de Dos' ;)
GJmusique 1 year ago
@GJmusique - you know the Positif de Dos was removed under Viollet-le-Duc's restoration of ND, and that it never had one in Vierne's time?
And no, Franck's console at SC shouldn't be reinstalled: it's got just 54/27 compasses, very restricting. A very near replica with modern compasses, combined with a restoration of the organ to a more C-C sound? Fine, but to reinstate the 54/27 compasses would preclude the performance of so much wonderful music...
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
Really appreciate the posting. Amazing.
fdh1004 1 year ago
So moving to see him play!!! tellement émouvant de le voir jouer!!!
ninotchka26 1 year ago
Those of you who imagine that the 1868 console was so great are obviously unaware that Vierne didnt like it. In 1924 EM Skinner offered to donate a console and the church refused. Vierne drew up plans in 1928 to make sweeping changes including an English knob console. So sentimentality and ignorant posts aside its obvious just how little all of you know about Viernes feelings regarding the organ and the console.
stevebournias 2 years ago
@stevebournias
But he could barely see.. so he didn't know how stunning it is, visually ;)
GJmusique 1 year ago
Thanks very much for posting this footage. I hope that the Vierne console will be reinstated one day and the organ restored to its former unmutilated glory.
gerardbedecarter 2 years ago 13
Such a great artist, such a sad life.
logica10 2 years ago 5
Très émouvant de voir et d'entendre jouer ce si génial compositeur. Un document historique d'un des plus éminents représentant de l'Ecole d'Orgue Française dont la renommée est mondiale. Merci d'avoir mis cette vidéo en ligne.
franceorganum 2 years ago
a pity the versailles treaty was so demanding ... what happened to forgive us our trepasses as we forgive them who trespass against is
3NUNS 2 years ago
@3NUNS - indeed. I studied this for my History GCSE. It is my firm belief that, had Clémenceau and Lloyd-George listened to the moderating voice of Woodrow Wilson and not sought to punish Germany, the Weimar Republic would have risen to prosperity, Hitler would never have been elected and would have had about as much influence on his country's policies as Nick Griffin of the BNP does here in Britain...
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
@EccentricRichard : Thanks Richard. Are you not studying chemistry ?
MusicPredominates 10 months ago
@MusicPredominates - no, I'm not... well, I'm not studying anything at the moment! Sixth form college didn't really work out...
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
i like the curved stop jams. i wonder why they changed the design? really neat to see this clip of such a great organist
kensingtonpalace 2 years ago
Wasn't "in style" at the time of the electrification of the new console
Arky83mi 2 years ago
That man wrote two meditations. This one and Bercuse.
Streetcar1743 2 years ago
It's very interesting for me to see and hear Louis Vierne. In the moment I study his "Les Angelus". :-)
jubilatede 2 years ago
Seeing louie vierne i hat a gaensehaut!! he is my favouvrite organist!! unbelievebale how he plays whithout looking!!! great play!!!
gerdi911 2 years ago
he was nearly blind--so couldn't see much
Diapason2002 2 years ago
Emozionante!
carlocorozzi 2 years ago
The pedal part I see him playing is definitely "In Dir Ist Fruede"
Who knows? Perhaps there is another piece of Vierne footage out there somewhere. Lets hope if that's the case someone turns it in soon.
advisorC101 2 years ago
A most remarkable document of this fabulous composer and performer!
FromHolbergsTime 2 years ago 2
Great to see this. Louis Vierne was a genius who had many misfortunes in his life: born blind, lost his brother in WW1 not to mention his wife's infidelity and yet he produced some of the most powerful organ music ever written. Just listen to the final from his 6th Symphony. You will find it on my favorites page.
mattbod 2 years ago
What a tremendous and important document of this great composer and player. I am so glad to have found it. Are there any others?
Gapregistration 2 years ago
Si émouvant de voir M. Vierne aux claviers ! Quel document !
organum74 3 years ago
Thank you for this wonderful document !
wupperfeld 3 years ago 2
This must have been after he had Glaucoma and lost nearly all of his already very limited sight.
BeFrSc 3 years ago
I thought he had limited sight from childhood as a result of juvenile-onset glaucoma. The disability doesn't matter, though. Widor recognized his prodigious talent and helped the young man to become the only organist of the period to approach his abilities.
BRAVO!
winston5610 3 years ago
VIERNE! VIERNE! VIERNE! How wonderfull to be able to see him in action!
advisorC101 3 years ago 2
It's so amazing to see footage of him playing, he's one of my favourite Romantic composers. Thanks so much for posting this!
I'm now off to see if I can find his string quintet anywhere on YouTube :)
longtalker 3 years ago 2
This is Bach's In Dir ist Freude, without any doubt. And Louis Vierne in person. Thank you.
eameece 3 years ago 4
C'est dingue ce document historique!!! rarissime!! :-)
roethinger 3 years ago
Wonderful stuff! My guess is he isn't necessarily playing In dir ist Freude, as the actual recording we're hearing is of available on CD - I have it. Also, it appears at one stage that he's playing on separate manuals, which one wouldn't usually do in this piece.
ronanmurray 3 years ago
Thanks for that information DickyD123, I shall look forward to seeing the console on my next visit, when it is restored.
And I would agree, the Notre Dame organ is indeed an incredible sound!
Cheers
MonsieurOrgue 3 years ago
I was at the Notre Dame Museum a couple of weeks ago and disappointingly the console was no longer there. Anybody know where it has got to? The other articles were fascinating though, especially his manuscript. He was truly and amazing musician, and his contribution to the repertoire is immeasurably valuable.
MonsieurOrgue 3 years ago
Wonderful to see this video, of performer and instrument. Was at Notre Dame recently for the first time, it is simply an amazing experience hearing that organ!
MonsieurOrgue, the console has been taken out for now as it is being restored. the console is currently in the room before the Notre Dame Loft with the manuals taken out being restored!
DickyD123 3 years ago
When I was at Notre Dame last year I saw it...it's covered up in the corner in the big room behind the organ loft where all the relics of the Cochereau era are.
bombarde1701 3 years ago
What are they planning on doing with the original CC console anyway?
advisorC101 2 years ago
I believe it's in the Cathedrals Museum now on display
Arky83mi 2 years ago
Yes, I know that but I heard a rumor that they might try and restore it.
advisorC101 2 years ago
It was. It is back where it belongs, in the cathedral. It stands now in the room you're passing before entering the organ tribune. A restauration would be a good idea!
Sulpice32 2 years ago
it is incredibly unfortunate he has no descendants. Poor guy, he is my favourite composer by far.
BeFrSc 3 years ago 2
thank you for this. I enjoyed it!
Brandotuomikoski 3 years ago
If you go to Notre-Dame, be sure to see the Musee Notre-Dame located on a side street next to the cathedral. The original console is there and Vierne's music scores and personal articles are on display. His music writing looks like it was done by an 8 year old with a large pencil!
8891randy 3 years ago
it was with a large pencil lol
BeFrSc 3 years ago 7
Wow! Thanks very much!
michaelsmusicservice 4 years ago
Wonderfull historic flick! thanx for posting this. I've never seen it before untill now...
muzical15 4 years ago
A treasure!!!
ninotchka26 4 years ago
WoW! This bit of film is awsome.ive studies and admired Louis vierne for years and to see him play is very special.Thankyou for posting this
simonsteam 4 years ago
Vierne died at the organ, as you might know, on Wednesday, June 2, 1937. He had just played his Tryptique, and was preparing to improvise on the gregorian themes of the Virgin Mary (Alma redemptoris mater). All at once he said, "Je vais me trouver mal" (I am going to be ill) and he took out a little vial of smelling salts and sniffed it. Then he said, "Je ne vois plus mes touches." (I can't see the keys any more) Then he collapsed, his left foot hitting low e, then e-flat and e, then just e.
Vierneguy 4 years ago
I thought that Vierne was blind, anyways... Or did he have "some" sight? I read that he composed on butcher paper, and his brother transcribed it to regular sized notation.
contratromba858 4 years ago
Vierne was not completely blind. Andre Fleury (a pupil of Vierne's who I knew) said that he had 1/7 of normal vision out his right eye. He had a pocket watch with big letters on it and he would hold it up close to his eye and he could see what time it was. He could see what Notre Dame Cathedral looked like, and the colors of the Stained glass windows, and the red tulips, which he loved to behold, kneeling down close by them. Vierne could write music with a big pencil on large staff paper.
Vierneguy 4 years ago
It is amazing what Viere accomplished, even though he was legally blind. Thank-you for posting this. I had never seen a film of Louis Vierne. And thank-you Louis!
redletterchurch 3 years ago 2
he was what we call today, legally blind, but as he got into in later years, his sight deteriorated, and resulted to braille to do improvisations etc.
BeFrSc 3 years ago
C'est magnifique, VierneGuy.
a55b47 4 years ago
Oh my! More footage exists? Widor as well?! If ever you can resolve the copyright issue of the Skinner video, Sulpice 1863, there are so many of us out here drooling at the prospect of viewing such priceless images!
And how can I thank you, Vierneguy, for so enriching my life with the info about Vierne's voice? Such tiny details in the grand scheme of things but somehow so affecting and important to those who find Vierne so curiously compelling.
The Latry set was the 24 Pièces de fantasie.
golgiapp 4 years ago
thank you for sharing!
gfc234 4 years ago
golgiapp--Thanks for your response. I feel exactly as you do about this priceless document. There is another film showing Louis Vierne and Madeleine Richepin outside of Notre Dame. It is in Ernest Skinner's Home Videos, sold about 15 years ago by the Organ Historical Society, I believe.
Litaize said Vierne's voice was rather high, more like that of a tenor. Jean Langlais: light, like his own. Dr. Mallet, like Alain Hobb's voice. Mlle de La Salle: high baritone. I know Latry. Disc?
Vierneguy 4 years ago
The Skinner video includes Mlle Richepin and Vierne, as well as clips of Dupre, Widor, and Bonnet walking and standing around outside -- all shot during the 1920s. I was tempted to post these as well, but fear copyright problems if I do.
Sulpice1863 4 years ago
@Sulpice1863 do you know how we could find those it would be great to see them....
TheVOC 11 months ago
Many thanks for that info. I knew of the existence of "Les Mains de Paris" from a 1988 CD sleeve note by Olivier Latry who said it was in need of restoration. Never dared hope I'd actually see it!
It's utterly entrancing -as you say, "miraculous!"
Does anyone out there know what Vierne's voice sounded like? I imagine something gentle, quite high and frail perhaps? Or did he have a rich, deep, burgundy tone when he spoke?
Liking the word "Vierneophile", by the way. Definitely applies to me!
golgiapp 4 years ago
This video comes from a film made in Paris about Artists Hands, made about 1934, in which various painters, sculptors and musicians are showcased, and they are photographed using their hands at their work.
You will notice that Vierne is not playing the recorded music, In Thee is Gladness by Bach. But by any standard, being able see a moving picture of him, and not just a still, is the next best thing to seeing him in person. For us Vierneophiles, it is nothing short of miraculous! Vive Vierne
Vierneguy 4 years ago
For all organ devotees everywhere, and especially those of us with a particular passion for the ever haunting Vierne, this has to be one of the most priceless fragments of film in existence. No words could properly convey my heartfelt gratitude for posting this astonishing discovery. Where on earth did you locate it?!
golgiapp 4 years ago
AMAZING!! I would give anything to have seen him in person.
muzical15 4 years ago
The extraordinary Louis Vierne. The great organist of Notre-Dame de Paris.
I love his music.
jsbach82 4 years ago
wonderful
hung30306guy 4 years ago
WOW what rare footage!!!
Reesman95 4 years ago