The Perseverant Organ

A few of my older posts mention how my passion for the Pipe Organ is my personal madness. When I had started developing a deep love for this class of instrument many years ago, I often had visions of me playing grand instruments and moving people as I myself have been. One day, (rather jokingly) I was told that I should marry an organ and die with it. My first thought was not of marriage or death, but of a person who had a terrible experience with one and a glorious end in another.

I refer of course to Louis Vierne, (1870-1937) one of the finest organists and composers the world has ever seen. His story is one of tragedy but also of triumph. 

He had no luck in Marriage. His wife cheated on him, and because of his employment as organist at the cathedral he was never allowed to remarry. His two successive female companions also left him. By 1937, the master organist had faced incredible hardships constantly threatening to rid him of life. Vierne persevered. He overcame everything including once breaking his leg and having to relearn how to play his favourite instrument!

This is the same legend for whom about three thousand people gathered, at Notre-Dame de Paris, for a concert that was set to be as best as his concerts usually were. Then after one of the pieces, he turned to his student, (one who later become famous as composer and organist, Maurice Durufle) and told him he was about to fall ill. Then, the 3,000 in the audience, far below the organ loft, heard a low note come from the organ: the start of the improvisation, they assumed. But right then, Vierne had a heart attack. His foot landed on low E of the pedalboard -- the last note he ever played. He died just a few short moments later.

This was his wish. To die at the console of a Pipe Organ. He passed away doing what he loved. Even from just that one concert, he moved and inspired three thousand people. His whole life speaks and sings of countless more. His accomplishments and contributions to the Pipe Organ are an example to what a lifetime of music can look like, as a service to society. I can only pray and act, that God uses me so.

Louis Vierne playing the Wanamaker Auditorium Organ in Philadelphia, 1927.
Pic: Veritatis12