Description

Remembered – if at all – as kind Australopithecus of the organ, Jehan Titelouze is the foundation of the French organ tradition. Almost 400 years ago a Paris publisher issued this collection of 39 pieces, the first French book devoted to the keyboard works of a single composer. Titelouze explored twelve of the most popular hymn tunes of the day in these “fugues and ricercars”, extending the language of 16th century polyphony and, by his use of dissonances, seventh chords, and chromaticism, hinting of new paths music would take.
Yves-G. Préfontaine plays on the 1699 Tribuot organ at the church of St Martin in Seurre, France.