The blind French organist and international recitalist was, with Messaien, one of the last pupils of Paul Dukas, but there is nothing of 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' in his music. His style owes far more to another teacher, the organist and composer Tournemire. Inspiration comes firstly from his religious conviction, then, as in this Incantation, from Gregorian plainchant.

The chanted Incantation, announced after the opening fanfare, pervades the whole piece which comes from a chronological volume of music for Easter. The collection begins with a Chorale Prelude by Pachelbel and ends with this music by Langlais.

from notes by Ian Carson © 1988