The French organ music of Vierne and Couperin
Date
24 February 2020
Locations
Victoria Concert Hall (Recital)
Singapore Bible College (Masterclass)
Our chapter and the Victoria Concert Hall were delighted to host the French organist François Espinasse when he visited Singapore for a VCHpresents: Organ recital and an organ masterclass.
Known to bring a distinct French perspective to organ repertoire, Prof. Espinasse is co-titular organist at the Church of Saint-Séverin in Paris and the Professor of Organ at the National High Conservatory of Music and Dance of Lyon.
A concert of vivid imagery
The audience was treated to pieces by J.S. Bach (that were transcribed by his mentor Isoir) and French works for the organ by Guilain, Franck, Vierne and Alain. The most memorable piece must have been Alain’s Litaines, who as Prof. Espinasse pointed out, contained sections that reminded one of the sound that trains make on tracks!
Programme booklet
Refining the legato technique in playing French organ repertoire
At the Singapore Bible College later that evening, Prof. Epinasse spoke to the music of François Couperin, (which the latter composed for liturgical use, specifically the Holy Mass). Four of our members presented pieces by Couperin and Vierne.





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