Lost in Periodization – concert lecture on Louis Vierne
Lost In Periodization is a concert-seminar focusing on the forgotten French composer and organ virtuoso Louis Vierne (1870–1937). The concert will present some of Vierne’s important contributions to the Mélodie genre, with his sensitive settings of texts of the Symbolist Fin de siècle poets. It will also include a selection of his organ compositions rearranged for string quartet.
During the event some light will be shed on the interesting theoretical and historical aspects of Viernes music. Additionally, some theories will be presented, regarding why Vierne is largely forgotten outside of organist circles, where his music is still part of the virtuoso repertoire.
Why was he forgotten?
There are many factors, but his visual impairment, some problematic personal relations and his individual style all play into larger problems of Music History, which have contributed to Vierne’s slipping through the cracks of the coarse periodization of Western music.
The concert-seminar will be presented by talented young musicians studying at the Royal Academy of Music. It is aimed at the classical music audience, and especially music students of the conservatories and universities, with the purpose of presenting a music, which is much more than virtuosic organ exercises – it is a unique blend of the perfumed and sensuous music of Fin de siècle France, and the dark and passionately striving music of the German Romantics.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Language: English (or Danish in accordance with audience).
Performers
Ester Morén, soprano
Thomas Josefsen, piano
Marie Tofte-Hansen, violin
Thea Thybo Møller, violin
Asbjørn Elkjær Rokkjær, viola
Helene Rose Hultén, cello
Lecture and arrangements for string quartet: Andreas Christiansen, music theory student
Programme
Selections from ‘Spleens et Détresses’ Op. 38 (comp. 1917, pub. 1924)
I. Allegro from Organ Symphony no. 2 Op. 20 (1902)
IV. Adagio from Organ Symphony no. 3 Op. 28 (1911)
III. Stèle pour un enfant défunt from ’Triptyque’ Op. 58 (1936)
The concert is free, and you can just show up without a ticket. Please come early.