Vierne Organ Symphonies – Bjørn Boysen

French organ symphonies performed on legendary Swedish organ

Louis Vierne´s six organ symphonies are his most significant works and were composed between 1898 and 1931. As the “Organiste de Notre Dame” and a significant composer for the organ, Vierne stands out as one of the most important French organ composers. His majestic, intense and energetic, but occasionally bleak, first symphony, caused something of a stir because it announced an enlarging of leading French organist Charles-Marie Widor´s style while presenting a very personal approach. Without a doubt it bears the hallmark of a Widor symphony, though its solemn nature has a close affinity with the musical language of César Franck. Vierne´s fourth symphony, being of an austere nature is an unmistakable reflection of the troubled times of the first World War. With a seemingly directionless chromaticism, though with deep-felt expression and underlying tensions, the work ends in amazing arch-like phrases, bringing it to an astounding close.

Performed on the legendary organ in St. Catherine´s Church, Stockholm, now lost to posterity after an unfortunate fire accident, by one of Norway´s leading concert organists, Bjørn Boysen, this album contains near perfect interpretations of Vierne´s symphonies. The perfect relationship between space, acoustics, design and organ-builders that characterise this organ, fits the symphonies, who stand in stark contrast to each other, like hand in glove.