Concert Exam 1989 · Melanchthon Church, Düsseldorf
Jehan Alain
Trois Danses & Le Jardin suspendu
1911–1940 · Lutz Pfingsten, organ
Mystical soundscapes and rhythmic ecstasy – recorded during the 1989 concert exam at the Melanchthon Church in Düsseldorf.
About the works
Between silence and ecstasy
Twentieth-century French organ music reaches one of its most fascinating peaks in the works of Jehan Alain (1911–1940). Alain’s unique harmonic language combines influences from non-European music with the French organ school to create a distinctive sonic universe.
Le Jardin suspendu
“Le Jardin suspendu” (The Hanging Garden) is a work of delicate, ethereal beauty. It transports the listener into an almost surreal, meditative atmosphere – a sonic space that seems to float between earth and sky.
Trois Danses
In stark contrast are the “Trois Danses” – characterized by driving rhythms, intense emotional outbursts, and profound existential drama. The three movements Joies (Joys), Deuils (Mourning), and Luttes (Struggles) form an emotional arc that becomes a physically palpable experience on the organ.
Tracklist
| 13 | Le Jardin suspendu |
| 14 | Trois Danses I – Joies |
| 15 | Trois Danses II – Deuils |
| 16 | Trois Danses III – Luttes |
About the composer
Jehan Alain (1911–1940) was a French organist and composer. His short life ended during the Second World War. His work, characterized by a distinctive tonal language, is among the most significant contributions to 20th-century organ literature.
Recording
Concert Exam 1989 · Melanchthon Church, Düsseldorf
Organ: Lutz Pfingsten · Sound Engineering: Stephan Binder (@etienneberlin)
All recordings of the concert exam – Bach, Alain, and Duruflé – can be found on SoundCloud and via the link in my bio.
