Chant de Paix

Jean Langlais (1907-1991) made a highly significant contribution to the organ literature of the 20th century. He worte many single pieces, but more often than not, his works are part of a collection, and our dream piece of the day is one of those cases where the work is part of a group of pieces.

"Chant de Paix" was the first "modern" piece that I ever learned. I remember that I felt pretty cool when I had mastered this little gem, as I knew that I was playing in the big leagues! I had never played (or heard!) such "far out stuff" as this... ;-)

"Chant de Paix" or "Song of peace" is part of the collection entitled "Neuf Pièces", which was published by Editions Bornemann in 1945. The third work in the collection, "Chant de Paix" features the Strings of the Récit in long, sustained chords, which "dialogue" with a variety of soft flute stops. They mystical atmosphere is enhanced by the vast acoustics of the Esztergom Basilica, and the sounds float as if carried on some dreamlike clouds.

This is the fourth of my dream pieces. Please join me again tomorrow for the fifth entry in my Summertime Dreaming Series!