Pièces en style libre en deux livres, Livre I op. 31 (1914)

Louis Vierne (1870-1937) studied privately with Cesar Franck and was appointed titulaire organist at Notre-Dame (Paris) in 1900. Numerous concert tours throughout Europe and the USA made him well-known outside France.

Vierne’s organ works are masterpieces of organ music and are firm favourites in the virtuoso organ repertoire. In particular, Vierne raised the form of the organ symphony to a stylistic peak.

The famous collection of “Pieces de Fantaisie”, comprising 24 fantasy pieces in four volumes (Livres I-IV), has become internationally known. With their varying degrees of difficulty, the pieces are suitable for both professional organists as well as advanced pupils and students. The collection comprises mainly individual movements which are suitable for use on many different types of occasion.

The “Pieces en style libre pour orgue ou harmonium”, comprising 24 pieces in two volumes, are shorter and technically easier. These are “miniatures” of a rather meditative character, equally suitable for organ teaching or concert use.