Performing the six organ symphonies of Louis Vierne

Abstract

In this thesis I focus on Louis Vierne’s Six Symphonies for Organ. In the Introduction I make a historical overview of the epoch in which Vierne lived and composed his works. I list the dispositions of the organ at the Notre-Dame Cathedral during the time Vierne was organist there, because of the importance that this instrument has for Vierne as a musician. In the second part of the thesis I focus on my interpretation of the symphonies. I explore some of Vierne’s thoughts about organ playing and I make my own commentaries, which are based on my own experience of playing Vierne’s music. I also use my own recordings, which I made during the period that I studied the symphonies and during my concert series of the pieces in order to illustrate the different aspects of my interpretation.