Program Note

Jehan Alain (1911-1940) was a French organist and composer, steeped in the Gregorian tradition, who died heroically in WWII. The theme for this work comes from his brilliant organ composition entitled ‘Litanies.’

In my piece, each of the twelve variations presents a different musical style. The result is a work of rapidly shifting contrasts in mood, as it builds in intensity gradually toward an elegiac conclusion.

Performances

This work was premiered by violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, on Valentines’ Day 2024 in the Hall Recital Hall, on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno, Nevada.