Composer

:

Charles Tournemire

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

Nov 27, 1928

Charles Tournemire's 'L'Orgue Mystique: Cycle de Noël, suites Nos. 1-11, Op. 55' is a monumental work for organ that consists of 51 pieces, divided into 11 suites, each corresponding to a liturgical season or feast of the church year. The cycle was composed between 1927 and 1932 and premiered in its entirety at the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Paris in 1932. The first suite, for Advent, sets the tone for the entire cycle with its mystical and contemplative character. The second suite, for Christmas, is more joyful and celebratory, with pieces such as the "Offertoire sur les Grands Jeux" and the "Marche des Rois Mages." The third suite, for Epiphany, features a grand "Te Deum" and a solemn "Communion." The fourth suite, for Lent, is marked by a sense of penitence and introspection, with pieces such as the "Choral-Improvisation sur le Victimae Paschali" and the "Offertoire pour le Mercredi des Cendres." The fifth suite, for Easter, is more exuberant and triumphant, with pieces such as the "Toccata sur le Victimae Paschali" and the "Offertoire pour la Fête de l'Ascension." The sixth suite, for Pentecost, is characterized by its use of Gregorian chant and its mystical atmosphere, with pieces such as the "Communion sur le Veni Creator" and the "Offertoire pour la Fête de la Pentecôte." The seventh suite, for the Holy Trinity, features a majestic "Te Deum" and a contemplative "Communion." The eighth suite, for the Assumption, is marked by its use of the "Salve Regina" chant and its sense of reverence and devotion, with pieces such as the "Offertoire pour la Fête de l'Assomption" and the "Communion pour la Fête de l'Assomption." The ninth suite, for All Saints' Day, is more joyful and celebratory, with pieces such as the "Toccata pour la Fête de la Toussaint" and the "Offertoire pour la Fête de la Toussaint." The tenth suite, for the Dead, is somber and introspective, with pieces such as the "Choral-Improvisation sur le Dies Irae" and the "Communion pour les Défunts." The eleventh and final suite, for the Dedication of a Church, is grand and majestic, with pieces such as the "Offertoire pour la Fête de la Dédicace" and the "Communion pour la Fête de la Dédicace." Overall, 'L'Orgue Mystique' is a monumental work that showcases Tournemire's mastery of the organ and his deep understanding of the liturgical year. Its mystical and contemplative character, its use of Gregorian chant and other liturgical melodies, and its sense of reverence and devotion make it a unique and powerful contribution to the organ repertoire.

More....