1989 van den Heuvel organ at the church of Saint Eustache, Paris, France

It was a meticulous craftsmanship and a perfectionist’s attitude that limited his lifetime compositional output to a mere dozen scores. On our next Pipedreams, we’ll show that while they are few in number, the compositions of Maurice Duruflé are like so many perfectly-polished jewels, core items in the organ repertoire. Along with his own works are interpretations of Bach, Handel, and Schumann in performances recorded at Soissons Cathedral, the National Shrine in Washington, DC, and Saint Thomas Church, New York, NY. Inspired by an abiding faith, a reference for Gregorian chant, and a love for the organ, he created a handful of masterpieces beloved equally by singers, players and listeners. Explore the exquisite art of Frenchman Maurice Duruflé, in A Centenary Tribute, this week on Pipedreams.

Come along with us, no passport necessary, as we take a whirlwind tour of a few remarkable destinations in France.

Considering that Mozart wrote virtually nothing for the organ, we certainly had fun finding things of his to play!

Whether they trained abroad, trained at home, or relocated to or from Europe, the composers of these diverse works ultimately share an American passport.

Tune in and discover a few revelatory attitudes and probing interpretations that set this noteable French virtuoso apart from the norm.

Poetic portraits and psalmists songs summon soothing images of lush summer fields and quiet times.

The pipe organ’s concert repertoire often strays into the realm of symphonic ensembles, with remarkable results.

…reading notes from a page is one thing, but improvising something new, ‘out of thin air’, is a remarkable skill.

…tune in for a modest five-century survey of the history of organ music in Italy.

…back in the depths of history, the number ‘7’ was deemed lucky, or at least significant, and our music proves the point.

…as prelude to the next Pipedreams Tour (May 23-June 4), this selection of instruments featured in our itinerary.

…whether in response to the Angel’s proclamation of her divine role, or in simple hymns of praise, composers through history have celebrated the Virgin Mary.

…recalling famous and forgotten names from the past who still engage us with their unique talents.

…these works on classical Greek themes remind us that it was a Greek engineer, Ctesibius, who invented the pipe organ more than 2300 years ago!

…The quarterly survey of recent album releases with commentary from program host Michael Barone.

…Rendering homage unto Cesar Franck in celebration of his December birthday and this year of the centenary of his death.

…Having fun with more of the recently revived original compositions and remarkable transcriptions of the once-most-popular organist, Edwin H. Lemare (1865-1934) The highest paid organist at the height of his career, Lemare was resident music for the cities of San Francisco, Chattanooga and Portland, and the popularity he enjoyed has not been rivaled by any subsequent virtuoso.

…Beginning the New Year with a sampler of recent released of organ music on cassette and compact disc.

A spring quarterly review of recent organ music CD releases.

An autumn quarterly review of recent recordings.

Three of the century’s most memorable organ-playing talents are celebrated in a limited-edition historic CD reissue collection, a sonorously splendid time-capsule from Philips Classics.

Sorrowful and reassuring meditations for a time of stress and uncertainty.

Exploring the actualities and implications of Mozart’s life-long love of the ‘King of Instruments’, and other’s love of Wolfgang Amadeus.