Maurice and Marie-Madeleine Duruflé in concert at Notre-Dame in Paris

Experience the spiritual and musical prowess of Maurice Duruflé in this captivating live album, recorded at the iconic Notre-Dame in Paris. Released on August 25, 2014, via Solstice, this album captures the essence of Duruflé's compositional genius and his wife Marie-Madeleine Duruflé's virtuosic organ playing. The album spans a rich hour and nineteen minutes, featuring a blend of choral and requiem genres that showcase Duruflé's deep connection to sacred music.

The album opens with "Improvised Choral on ‘Victimae Paschali’" and "Improvised Fantasy on ‘Ave maris stella’," both of which highlight Duruflé's improvisational skills and his ability to infuse traditional hymns with new life. "Choral for Organ No. 1 in E Major, FWV 38" and "Fantasy in A Major, FWV 35" demonstrate his mastery of the organ, while "Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 59: II. Aria" offers a taste of his orchestral compositions. "Variations sur un vieux noël, Op. 20" and "Prelude and Fugue on ‘A.L.A.I.N’, Op. 7" further illustrate his versatility and innovation.

This album is a rare opportunity to hear Duruflé's music performed in the very setting for which it was intended, providing an authentic and immersive experience. Whether you are a fan of classical music, choral works, or simply appreciate the beauty of sacred compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Maurice Duruflé, born in 1902 in Louviers, France, was a multifaceted musical genius known for his compositions, organ playing, and teaching. His works, though few in number, are deeply revered for their unique blend of Gregorian chant and modern harmonies. Duruflé's most celebrated piece, the Requiem, is a masterful fusion of ancient liturgical music and 20th-century compositional techniques. His musical journey began under the guidance of his father, a professional harpist, and continued at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, where he studied with notable figures like Paul Dukas and Charles Tournemire. Duruflé's influence extends beyond his compositions; he was also a respected professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, shaping the next generation of musicians. His legacy endures through his evocative choral works and organ pieces, which continue to captivate audiences with their profound emotional depth and technical brilliance.