Amy Pfrimmer

Songs of Louis Vierne | Album Centaur Records, 2022

Released by Centaur Records in May 2022, the album Songs of Louis Vierne was recorded in New Orleans and Paris. Best known for his six symphonies, which are among the greatest of 20th-century organ literature, Louis Vierne became famous in his role as organist of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. His compositional color palette was certainly influenced by the rise of late 19th century, orchestrally inspired, Parisian organs. While recognizing Vierne’s organ expertise, this recording seeks, additionally, to position him as a refined mélodie and singer’s composer who drew inspiration from the organ’s sound and from the instruction of César Franck, Charles-Marie Widor, and Gabriel Fauré. It often surprises Vierne’s admirers that, in addition to organ symphonies, he was equally adept at composing the smaller form of the mélodie. Vierne’s songs were conceived with the organ’s expressive, characteristic sound and endless color variability in mind and Vierne deftly developed his melodically intriguing songs by deploying harmonies that pushed the boundaries of the early 20th century. Soprano Amy Pfrimmer is known for her uniquely expressive voice and emotionally honest character portrayals.