Famous Organists: Virgil Fox
In this episode of our Famous Organists series, Viscount Organs will dive into the tenaciously productive life of the American pipe organist, Virgil Fox An Early Commitment To Music Born in Princeton, Illinois on May 3, 1912, Virgil Fox was destined for greatness. Even in his early childhood, Fox was recognized as a virtuoso. Early […]
Famous Organists: Eugène Gigout
In this episode of our Famous Organists Blog Series, we’ll be diving into the life and legacy of Eugène Gigout, a renowned organist and composer as well as an influential educator. At Viscount Organs, we’re dedicated to all things pipe organs. From building innovative, elegant instruments to paying homage to the great minds who have […]
Famous Organists: Jeanne Demessieux
Viscount Organs is happy to bring you another installation of our Famous Organists Blog Series, this time examining an amazing organist, Jeanne Demessieux. At Viscount Organs, we’re extremely passionate about paying homage to organists who have greatly impacted the world of organ music and to keeping those artists’ legacies alive. A Pianist Turns Organist Jeanne […]
Famous Organists: Louis Vierne
Famous Organists: Louis Vierne This edition of our Famous Organists blog series is going to take a look at the life, interesting death, and influence of Louis Vierne, titulaire, or lead organist, at the Notre Dame Cathedral from 1900-1937. A Determined Youth Vierne was born into challenges on October 8, 1870, in Poitiers, France. Upon […]
Famous Organists: Jehan Alain
Jehan Alain is the focus of this Famous Organists blog. Although his life wasn’t long, he achieved many a musical accomplishment, and died a heroic death in World War II. Keep reading to learn more! A Family of Organists Born into the Alain family on February 11, 1911, Jehan Alain was the son of the […]
The Life of Pierre Cochereau: A Legendary French Organist
Pierre Cochereau | orgues-chartres.org Pierre Cochereau transformed 20th-century organ music with his exceptional improvisational skills and influential tenure at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He captivated audiences with his spontaneous compositions, blending classical tradition with bold innovation. His groundbreaking techniques and imaginative interpretations redefined organ performance, setting a new standard for musicians around the world. […]
Famous Organists: Rolande Falcinelli
Rolande Falcinelli is the next subject of our Famous Organists series. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the life of this fabulous female organist and discuss what she contributed to the culture of organ music. An Artistic Existence Heralding from Paris, France, Falcinelli was born on February 20, 1920. Although she was the […]
Famous Organists: César Franck
Our next blog on the famous organists of history is about César Franck, a Beligian born organist and composer with quite the interesting life story. Franck was an extremely talented organist who composed many pieces that are still staples in organist repertoires today. An Intensive Early Life Born in Liège, Belgium, on December 10, 1822 […]
Famous Organists: Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer was a man of many titles. Although he’s recognized as a Nobel Laureate, theologian, philosopher, and a musician (just to name a few), here at Viscount Organs, we’re most excited about this polymath’s reputation as an organist, as well as his impact on organ culture. In this blog, we’ll be continuing our series […]
The Life of Famous Organist Jimmy Smith
The Life of Famous Jazz Organist Jimmy Smith Jimmy Smith revolutionized the world of jazz with his groundbreaking approach to the electric organ. By transforming the Hammond B3 into a lead instrument, he redefined its role in contemporary music, blending blues, bebop, and gospel influences into a signature sound. From his early days as a […]