Louis Vierne was Notre Dame’s principal organist for decades.He also died over his keyboard during a concert. He is famous throughout the world as a composer of organ symphonies. Now his piano quintet is being rediscovered.An event that comes at just the right time for our dark times.
in Germany, the only people who really know the composer Louis Vierne are those who enter churches backwards so they can have a look at the organ before reaching the altar. Vierne, like all late French heavy metal romantics, a pupil of César Franck, introduced into the modern era a musical genre that German musical composition and its perception had largely abandoned after the death of Johann Sebastian Bach: the music of It is indeed a highly virtuoso and very popular organ.
Written for pipe monsters like the grand devices from the workshop of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the romantic descendant of the German baroque god of organ building Gottfried Silbermann. With multi-manual instruments, individual virtuosos such as Louis Vierne or Charles-Marie Widor where able to sing orchestral organ symphonies of enormous proportions in cathedrals such as Notre-Dame or the Parisian church of Saint-Sulpice.
Louis Vierne’s life could be described as a struggle against darkness. He was born in 1870 suffering from cataracts. It wasn’t until he was seven that he was able to see more than shadows.Born in Poitiers, the family moved to Paris as of his musical talent. He became César Franck’s assistant at the organ of Sainte-Clotilde, learned fugue from him and became titular organist at notre-Dame. After a concert, Debussy said that ”old JS Bach, the father of us all, would be happy with monsieur Vierne”.
There was Vierne, 33, who had been the leading virtuoso of the Cavaillé-Coll organ at Notre Dame for three years and had already come a long way to becoming an internationally celebrated organ legend. Though, his life continued to resemble a field test of the reasonable destiny of a human being. Vierne survived typhus and a broken leg. His wife left him and took two of his three children with her.
The eldest son was 17 when he protested against the Great War on the Marne in 1917 and was summarily shot. Vierne ruined his health. he remained titular organist at Notre Dame.
On June 2, 1937, aged 66 and now completely blind, he dragged himself up the 91 steps to his instrument. He was at loggerheads with the parish priest of Notre-Dame as he had to constantly creak on the balcony (among other things). Louis Vierne has finished his concert. Then he collapsed and died. His foot got stuck on the low E pedal.
Outside of churches and cathedrals, only his chamber music is even more forgotten than Vierne’s organ symphonies. A serious mistake in the history of music! Vierne’s piano quintet, such as: the French pianist Éric le Sage has now recorded it for Sony together with Ernest Chausson’s Concerto for piano, Violin and String Quartet, whose seething fin de siècle beauty gets you addicted every time that you meet him.
Vierne’s quintet keeps pace. A self-therapy, a work of mourning, which emerged after the death of her son. This is nervous and melancholic music, provocative rather than sad, harmonically dense, melodically sparkling. A triumph of beauty over the dark power of destiny, in which - without ever becoming sentimental – the entire French tradition is gathered and gently carried forward.
what are teh most effective strategies for mitigating climate change according to experts?
Sure! Below is a fictional engaging interview between the editor of Time.news and an expert in the field. Since I can’t access real-time data or specific data from “t,” I’ll create a hypothetical scenario involving an expert on climate change.
Time.news Interview: The Future of Climate Change Policy
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an esteemed guest, Dr. Emily Turner,a leading climate scientist and author of the influential book “Temperatures Rising.” Thank you for joining us,Dr. Turner.
Dr. Turner: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent IPCC report has alarmed many about the trajectory of global warming. What are the key takeaways that you believe everyone should know?
Dr.Turner: The key takeaway is that we are at a critical juncture. The report emphasizes that we must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid catastrophic impacts. We are seeing already significant changes — more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. It’s urgent we act now.
Editor: Act now! That’s a powerful statement. In your opinion, what are the most effective strategies we can implement to mitigate climate change?
Dr. Turner: Absolutely! We need a multifaceted approach. First, transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro is crucial. it’s about moving away from fossil fuels. Second, we need to enhance energy efficiency, and protecting and restoring our forests is essential because they act as carbon sinks.
Editor: You mentioned a multifaceted approach. How important is international cooperation in these efforts?
Dr. Turner: It’s essential! Climate change is a global problem that knows no borders. We must work together — countries need to share technologies, fund initiatives in developing nations, and set binding agreements. The Paris Agreement was a great step, but we need to strengthen commitments and ensure accountability.
Editor: Speaking of commitments, there’s a lot of skepticism around the effectiveness of policies like carbon pricing. What’s your take on that?
Dr. Turner: Carbon pricing can be an effective tool when implemented correctly. It puts a price on carbon emissions, incentivizing companies to reduce their carbon footprints. However, it can’t stand alone. it must be part of a broader suite of policies and public investments to transform our energy systems.
Editor: You mentioned public investments. How can governments engage citizens in the fight against climate change?
Dr. Turner: Education and outreach are vital. Governments should provide clear information on the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable practices. Initiatives like community solar projects or local recycling programs can empower citizens. when people feel connected to climate action, they are more likely to participate.
Editor: As someone deeply invested in research and policy, what keeps you hopeful during these challenging times?
Dr. Turner: I find hope in innovation and youth activism. There are brilliant minds developing new technologies and sustainable solutions. Plus, the younger generation is demanding accountability and action from their leaders. Their passion and determination are inspiring!
Editor: That’s a refreshing perspective. Before we wrap up, what’s one piece of advice you would give to our readers who want to contribute to climate action?
Dr. Turner: Every action counts! Start by making small changes in your daily life—reduce waste, conserve energy, and support sustainable companies.Also, engage with your local representatives. Your voice matters! Collective pressure can drive significant change.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Turner, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while the challenges are immense, there’s also a path forward, filled with opportunities for impactful action.
Dr. Turner: Thank you! Together, we can create a sustainable future.
Feel free to modify any part of this interview or provide specific details you’d like me to incorporate!
