Langlais: Complete Organ Works, Vol. VI

Jean Langlais, a prominent French organist and composer, presents a profound collection of his organ works in "Langlais: Complete Organ Works, Vol. VI." Released in 1994 under the Musical Heritage Society label, this album is a testament to Langlais' mastery of the organ and his ability to create deeply moving and technically impressive compositions. Spanning a duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes, the album features 32 tracks that showcase a variety of pieces, including sacred works, carol hymn settings, and folk-hymn settings.

The album opens with "Talitha Koum (Résurrection)," a powerful and evocative piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. It continues with "Quatre Pièces Pour Orgue, Op. 225," a series of four pieces that demonstrate Langlais' skill in creating intricate and harmonically rich compositions. The album also includes settings of well-known Christmas carols and American folk hymns, offering a fresh and inspiring interpretation of these beloved melodies.

One of the highlights of the album is "Office De La Fête De La Sainte Trinité, Op. 98," a series of four pieces that are deeply rooted in the liturgical tradition. These works showcase Langlais' ability to create music that is both spiritually profound and technically demanding. The album concludes with "Douze Versets, Op. 235," a collection of twelve versets that offer a wide range of moods and styles, from contemplative and introspective to exuberant and triumphant.

Throughout the album, Langlais' compositions are brought to life by the skilled playing of Ann Labounsky, a renowned organist and former student of Langlais. Her interpretation of these works is both sensitive and virtuosic, capturing the essence of Langlais' music and bringing it to a wider audience.

"Langlais: Complete Organ Works, Vol. VI" is not just a collection of organ pieces, but a comprehensive exploration of the musical genius of Jean Langlais. Whether you are a fan of organ music, a student of composition, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful and inspiring music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire you.