Charles Tournemire

Charles Tournemire, the French composer and organist, was a prodigy from the start, appointed as an organist at just eleven years old. A student of the renowned Widor and César Franck, Tournemire's career flourished as he became the organist at the Paris church of Ste Clotilde. Renowned for his improvisations, Tournemire's work was deeply inspired by the Catholic liturgy, culminating in his monumental masterpiece, L'Orgue Mystique. His free-flowing and vivid organ performances, often featuring penetrating melodic lines from the chant propers, left a lasting impact on the world of organ music. Born in Bordeaux in 1870 and passing away in Arcachon in 1939, Tournemire's legacy continues to resonate with music enthusiasts and organists alike.