From Bach To Bach (The Organist Of The Century) – Marie-Claire Alain

The project covers Marie-Claire Alain’s extensive recording career and aims to reflect the diversity and richness of her many artistic facets, with about a quarter of the collection consisting of first-time releases on CD. It documents the evolution of her interpretive style, spanning from 1954 to 2000, contrasting her pioneering recordings with some of her final, most accomplished performances.

The collection includes a wide array of works, ranging from the German school, French classics, and romantic and symphonic works, to modern compositions – including the music of her father, Albert, and brother, Jehan – and collaborations with fellow musicians such as Maurice André and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

The title “From Bach to Bach” reflects the fact that J.S. Bach was the backbone and guiding thread of Marie-Claire Alain’s musical life. She performed his works tirelessly in concert and returned to him throughout her recording career, producing three complete cycles. This set includes the third and final cycle, recorded in digital, as well as her earlier, nearly complete collection of “free” pieces (those not based on chorale melodies) recordings that predated her integral editions.