Alexandre Guilmant: A Central Figure in French Romantic Organ Music
Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911) stands as a central figure in the development of French Romantic organ music. Renowned for both his compositions and his performances, Guilmant's works have become staples of the organ repertoire and are frequently showcased in high-profile recordings and concerts worldwide. His transformative works are often brought to life by celebrated organists, notably Christopher Herrick and Nicolas Kynaston.
About Alexandre Guilmant
Guilmant was a French organist, composer, and educator, regarded—along with Charles-Marie Widor—as a founder of the French Romantic organ school. He was largely self-taught before studying with Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens and held the esteemed post of organist at La Trinité in Paris for 25 years. Guilmant was a prolific performer, giving acclaimed concerts across Europe, Russia, and the United States. He also published influential anthologies of organ works, helping revive interest in early organ repertoire. As a composer, Guilmant contributed significantly through both original works and arrangements. He often incorporated Gregorian chant into his music, enriching the organ’s liturgical and concert tradition. In addition to his musical pursuits, he co-founded the Schola Cantorum in Paris and served as organ professor at the Paris Conservatoire, shaping generations of organists.
Notable Recordings Featuring Guilmant's Organ Works
Stage+ brings you a series of organ performances by Alexandre Guilmant, played on some of the world’s most esteemed organs. Christopher Herrick is recognized for his dynamic and colorful interpretations of Romantic organ music, including Guilmant’s works. The “Organ Fireworks” and “Organ Dreams” series highlight major instruments worldwide and showcase Guilmant’s grandeur and melodic inventiveness. From the magnificent organ of Melbourne Town Hall in the Organ Fireworks 14 series to the captivating organ of St Nikolai in Halmstad, Sweden with Organ Dreams, Vol. 4, Christopher Herrick delivers a captivating rendition of Guilmant's work.
Continuing the Organ Dreams series, Christopher Herrick's performances at the organ of Truro Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral, and the impressive Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, Iceland, showcase his skill and the versatile beauty of Guilmant's compositions. Christopher Herrick also regales his audience with mind-blowing performances on the Organ of St Bartholomew's Church in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in the Organ Fireworks series.
Last but not least, brace yourself for 'Concert Pieces for Organ from Chichester Cathedral' featuring Nicolas Kynaston, who skillfully performs Guilmant's transformative works on the organ, capturing the essence of the composer's vision. With Stage+, enjoy the entrancing manipulation of harmonies and melodies by Alexandre Guilmant, flawlessly executed by Christopher Herrick and Nicolas Kynaston. Their performances breathe life into Guilmant's works, reminding us of his profound influence in the realm of organ music.