From 1936 until 1939, Jeanne Demessieux studied organ privately with Marcel Dupré, finally joining his organ class at the Paris Conservatoire in 1939. After receiving a first prize in organ performance and improvisation in 1941, Demessieux studied with Dupré for five more years. She played her début recital in Paris in 1946, launching her career as an international recitalist. Demessieux had a prodigious memory: she memorized more than 2,500 works, including the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, César Franck, Franz Liszt, Felix Mendelssohn and Marcel Dupré. Aside from her organ compositions, she wrote pieces for piano, numerous songs and choral works including an oratorio, Chanson de Roland, and orchestral works. Only a third of her output as a composer is available in print.
Her Opus 8, "Chorale Preludes on Gregorian Themes for Organ," showcases a different compositional technique for each chant. Domine Jesu is a berceuse, a simple little lullaby.
A powerful blend of historic instruments in a modern soundscape-- Kati Rán has a smooth, mellow alto voice that lends itself well to her poetry. Susanna Faust
Somber, beautiful string meditations abound on the debut album by Oxford cellist and composer Lou Lyne and her ensemble. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2024