This Sunday at 10:30 a.m., as Saint Mark’s observes the Feast of Christ the King, the Saint Mark’s Choir will sing the complete “Messe solennelle” by Louis Vierne. The choir also will sing Stephen Caracciolo’s anthem “Christ, Victorious; Christ, Now Reigning” and Percy Whitlock’s “Be Still, My Soul.” Tyler Robertson plays organ works by Louis Vierne, including the thrilling “Final” from Symphonie No. 1. The Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Price, Jr., will celebrate. All are welcome!
Pictured here is the great French organist and composer Louis Vierne (1870–1937). Born in Poitiers, France, Vierne moved to Paris with his family at the age of 10. He studied organ at the Paris Conservatoire with César Franck and Charles-Marie Widor. In 1900 he was named organist at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a post that he retained until his death. Vierne wrote his Messe solennelle (1900) for choir and two organs, to be played simultaneously on the two organs at Notre Dame.