Jean-Adam Guilain (real name Jean Adam Guillaume Freinsberg) (c. 1680 – after 1739) was a German organist and harpsichordist who was mostly active in Paris during the first half of the eighteenth century.
Little is known about his life. He was born in Germany, possibly around 1680 (the exact dates of birth and death are unknown). For an unknown reason he moved to France some time before 1702, and almost certainly became one of Louis Marchand's pupils - Guilain's organ collection is dedicated to Marchand, by then a prominent organ teacher. Guilain died some time after 1739, the year when he published a collection of harpsichord pieces.
Although he came from Germany, Guilain's musical style appears to be in the pure French tradition.
A single collection of organ pieces (Pièces d'orgue pour le Magnificat sur les huit tons différents de l'église) was published in 1706 in two volumes, of which only one is now extant. The full collection included eight suites of pieces for use with the Magnificat, one suite for each church mode. Each suite contained seven short movements that were to alternate with the vocal parts of the liturgy.
In terms of registration, this worked out very nicely, considering that it's not a French organ. Some "adjustments" had to be made, but not really all that many, and the result, while not 100% "authentic," is still very satisfying.
I dedicate this upload to our member, Wolfram Syre. It was his fine upload of another suite by Guillain that gave me the idea to find one that I had not done, and record it to show more of this fine organ.
BRAVO and THANKS, Wolfram!
The score is attached below, as well as a portrait of Guilain.
The timings of the individual movements are as follows:
Prélude (Plein jeu) -
0:00
Tierce en Taille -
1:52
Duo -
5:40
Basse de Trompette -
7:21
Trio des Flûtes -
8:50
Dialogue
11:06
Petit plein Jeu -
14:24
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