LOUIS VIERNE (1870-1937): Complete Piano Works, Vol. 1 - 2 Pièces, Op. 7, Suite bourguignonne, Op. 17, 3 Nocturnes, Op. 34, Le Glas from Poème des cloches funèbres, Op. 39, Silhouettes d’enfants, Op. 43.

Description: Vierne is renowned as one of the most brilliant of all French organ composers. His piano works are little known despite their colorful, imaginative and inspiring treatment of the instrument. The early Pièces owe their lyrical style to Mendelssohn, while the Suite bourguignonne exudes an atmosphere of joie de vivre and romantic contentment. Impressionism can be heard in the Nocturnes, the third of which is considered one of Vierne’s masterpieces with its evocative use of birdsong, while the shadows of war echo in the solemn Poème des cloches funèbres. If you didn’t buy the complete set on the late, lamented Timpani label 2014, don’t miss this chance. The anguish and horror come in the second volume… Sergio Monteiro (piano).