Vierne piano works reissue

[Alan Howe]

I'm intrigued in particular by the 12 Préludes Op.36 on this reissue:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00N8KCH1E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Does anyone know the music?

[eschiss1]

Pianist Jean Dubé has recorded nos. 9 and 10 for IMSLP, I see... (and part of Vierne's Op.34 as well.)

[semloh]

Yes, indeed, Alan.

As you know, I am completely untutored in music theory, so I can only tell you what I hear! The 12 Preludes (roughly 45 minutes in total) are passionate, expansive, Lizstian pieces (although I kept being reminded of Debussy), that utilize the full dynamic range of the piano – beautifully recorded and played with (I think) obvious fidelity to markings. They are contrasting little gems, some (like the first) boisterous and energetic, others (like the second) languorous and romantic, and there is no obvious link between any of them. I imagine that they are difficult to play, but Gardon is superb, and they are certainly pure delight for any listener (I am listening to them as I type).

I think you can hear some short excerpts at the IMSPL site:
http://imslp.org/wiki/12_Pr%C3%A9ludes%2C_Op.36_%28Vierne%2C_Louis%29

Sorry that I can't give you any technical details, Alan.

[Aramiarz]

I have one Cd from 1996 in label ARKAY, has 6 preludes, performed by Rulon Christiansen, I like very much this cd

[Alan Howe]

Thanks, Colin. A very helpful description indeed.