Charles Tournemire - Improvisation sur le Te Deum

Adam Wilson plays Charles Tournemire's Improvisation sur le 'Te Deum' (transcribed by Maurice Duruflé) on the newly restored 1879 Willis/Harrison & Harrison organ of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh
adamwilsonorga...
Charles Tournemire (1870-1939) was a Parisian organist and composer who was to become both one of the most influential figures of the French Organ tradition of the 20th Century and, paradoxically, largely forgotten about after his death.
He was organist of the Basilique Sainte-Clotilde in Paris for over forty years, and his improvisations (such as this one which was later transcribed by Maurice Duruflé) were legendary. It is in this capacity he is largely remembered today, thanks to his monumental collection of improvisations for the full calendar year, L'Orgue Mystique, inspired by his approach to improvising for the services at Ste-Clotilde.
Tournemire's deep-rooted Catholic Mysticism resulted in a lifelong fascination with Gregorian Chant, as well as the spiritual power of the organ. In his memoirs, he recalled hearing the Ste-Clotilde organ for the first time, played by his future teacher Çesar Franck:
"God in heaven! When I heard the improvised verses of the Magnificat, I thought I was seeing the firmament open and let fall to earth a long procession of blue and rose angels".
The inspiration this muso-mystical drama had on the young Tournemire can be heard in this resplendant improvisation on the 'Te Deum' - the 4th-century hymn of praise, 'We praise thee, O God', sung at Matins and at important ceremonies in the Church year.
Tournemire was also Professor of Chamber Music at the Conservatoire de Paris, and a composer who wrote seven symphonies and several chamber works. In the 150th anniversary of his birth, his music is experiencing something of a revival outside of the organ world.

[@edwardhart5466]

Just brilliant playing again Adam, thank-you for all you uploads -

[@jungorgan]

Great performance!