Labounsky and Langlais #2514

Hour 1

LANGLAIS:  Grands Jeux, fr Suite Breve, Op. 38 (Vol. 1, Erie)

LANGLAIS:  Prelude, fr Prélude et Fugue, Op. 1 (Vol. 11, Paris)

LANGLAIS:  Prelude to the Mass Orbis factor, Op. 94 (Vol. 2, Erie)

LANGLAIS:  Nazard, fr Suite Française, Op. 59 (Vol. 2 Erie)

LANGLAIS:  Cantique, fr Folkloric Suite, Op. 77 (Vol. 3, Erie)

LANGLAIS:  Pasticcio, fr Organ Book, Op. 91 (Vol. 3, Pittsburgh)

LANGLAIS:  Scherzo-Cats, fr American Suite, Op. 207  (Vol. 10, Denver)

LANGLAIS:  Modal Piece No. 1 in d (Dorian), fr 8 Modal Pieces, Op. 90 (Vol. 7, Methuen)

LANGLAIS:  Fete, Op. 52 (Vol. 8, Angouleme)

Filler – Fugue, Op. 1 (see above)

Hour 2

LANGLAIS:  Trio Sonata, Op. 155 (Vol. 13, Paris)

LANGLAIS:  Pour la croyance, fr Trois Implorations, Op. 165 (Vol. 11, Paris)

LANGLAIS:  Fantasie, fr Hommage a Frescobaldi, Op. 70 (Vol. 7, Methuen)

LANGLAIS:  Remembrance, fr Hommage a Rameau, Op. 134 (Vol. 7, Methuen)

LANGLAIS:  Moonlight Scherzo, Op. 250 (Vol. 12, Paris)

LANGLAIS:  Essai, Op. 128 (Vol. 13, Paris)

Filler – Fete (see above)

As a relatively naïve young woman, but a recent Masters Degree graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Labounsky set off for Paris on a Fulbright Grant, initially to study with André Marchal who, at that time, was organist at the Church of St. Eustache. But Ann also wanted to study improvisation, which Marchal did not teach, though he gave her permission to approach Jean Langlais who was organist at the Church of St. Clothilde.  One thing led to another…eventually including a Langlais biography and an inclusive recorded cycle of his music (on twenty-six compact discs!).  Professor Labounsky’s commentary and select performances, from Langlais’ Opus 1 to Opus 250, will engage us today.

Dr. Labounsky’s CD cycle of Langlais’ solo organ compositions, The Complete Organ Works of Jean Langlais (issued by Voix le Vent), plus her biographical study, Jean Langlais: The Man and His Music, published by Amadeus Press, can be accessed through the Organ Historical Society catalog.

With audio engineer Fredrick Bashour, Professor Labounsky made recordings between 1979 and 2003…at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Erie, PA (1977 Casavant), Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA (1963 Casavant), the Memorial Music Hall in Methuen, MA (1863 Walcker/1947 Aeolian-Skinner), Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Denver, CO (1912-Kimball/1994 Morel), the Cathedral of St. Peter in Angouléme (1965 Beuchet-Debierre) and the Church of Saint-Antoine-des-Quinze-Vingts in Paris (1894 Cavaillé-Coll/1907 Merklin).  The initial nine of 13 volumes originally were released…first as LPs, then as CDs…by the Musical Heritage Society, but ultimately the entire cycle was issued as an integral boxed set by Voix du Vent Recordings, LLC and now is something of a collector’s item. 

A DMA thesis by Melvin West explores the works of Langlais in some detail.  And Andrew Scanlon, a former student of Ann Labounsky, has published an interview with her in Diapason Magazine.

Professor Labounsky will be celebrated as the American Guild of Organists’ 2025 Distinguished Artist with a recital and gala reception at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on the campus of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 25, 2025. 

PIPEDREAMS is supported in loving memory of Lucinda and Wesley Dudley by their family, with additional support from Walter McCarthy, Clara Ueland, and the Greystone Foundation, from Ed and Wanda Eichler, from the Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of the HRK Foundation, and from Syndyne Corporation of Vancouver, WA and Taylor & Boody, Organ Builders of Staunton, VA, members of APOBA, the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, a collaborative of designers, creators, and maintainers of pipe organs found in religious and educational institutions, concert halls, and residences throughout the United States and beyond. An APOBA resource guide and member prospectus is available at APOBA.COM. I hope you’re prepared.