September 3: Duruflé and Alain

Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'Alain, Op 7 - Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986)

Duruflé wrote this magnificent piece in memory of French organist Jehan Alain who died in World War II at the age of 29. You may wish to listen to the Alain Litanies first (below) because one of the ways in which Duruflé pays homage is by quoting this theme.

The Duruflé video (above) is from a live performance at Third Baptist, St. Louis by Katie Burk.

The Alain video (below) is performed by Jehan Alain's sister, Marie-Claire Alain.

Litanies (1937) - Jehan Alain (1911–1940)

BONUS: another piece by Alain!

Deuxieme Fantaisie - Alain

Alain played the organ for the Synagogue de Nazareth in Paris. It is thought that some of the material in this fantasy is inspired by Hebrew cantillation.