- The start of a huge and important recording project: the complete organ works by Jean Langlais!

- Jean Langlais was born on February 15, 1907, in La Fontenelle, Brittany, France. He became blind from the age of two. Sent to the Paris National Institute for the Blind Youth in 1918, he studied piano, violin, harmony and organ with great blind teachers (among others Albert Mahaut and André Marchal). Later on, he entered the Paris National Conservatory of Music in the Marcel Dupré’s organ class, obtaining a First Prize in 1930. In 1931, after studying improvisation with Charles Tournemire, he received the “Grand Prix d’Execution et Improvisation des Amis de l’Orgue”. He completed his studies obtaining a Composition Prize in Paul Dukas’ class at the Paris Conservatory in 1934. He then worked as Professor for forty years at the National Institute for the Blind Youth, and he also taught at the Paris Schola Cantorum where, between 1961 and 1976, he influenced both French and foreign students.

- In 1945, he became the successor to César Franck and Charles Tournemire at the prestigious organ tribune of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. He left that position in 1987 at the age of 80, having been titular for 42 years. He was a great recitalist (he played more than 300 concerts in North America) and a prolific composer: his catalog of works includes 254 opus numbers (organ, vocal and instrumental music). Jean Langlais died in Paris, on May 8, 1991, at the age of 84.

- Langlais’ distinctive style combined traditional harmonies with contemporary techniques. His compositions often feature intricate organ textures and colorful harmonies, influenced by his background as a church musician. Langlais was also known for his use of modes and complex rhythms, which added to the unique character of his music. His works often have a strong emotional intensity and sense of drama, with frequent shifts in mood and dynamics.

- This recording project (more than 20 CDs!) is supervised by artistic supervisor Giorgio Benati, organist and himself a pupil of Langlais. The instruments are based in various churches in Italy, all suited to the specific style and requirements of Langlais’ music.