Opus Sacrum - In Nativitate Domini, Op. 10, 1 & 5

Paul de Maleingreau (23 November 1887 - 9 January 1956), a Belgian composer and organist. Paul Constant Eugène Malengreau was born at Trélon, Nord, France. He later changed his surname to "de Maleingreau". From 1905 to 1912 he studied at the Brussels Conservatory where his principal teachers were Alfons Desmet, Paul Gilson and Edgar Tinel. He began teaching at the Conservatory in 1913 and was professor of organ (succeeding Desmet) from 1929 until 1953. His pupils included Pierre Froidebise, Charles Koenig, Robert Kohnen, Marcel Druart, Paul Sprimont and Herman Roelstraete.

In 1921 and 1922 he was the first to play Bach’s complete organ works in Brussels.

Gregorian plainsong forms the basis of most of Malengreau’s compositions, and indeed part of his output is intended for the liturgy. He also wrote programme music, his organ symphonies being inspired by paintings by Rogier van der Weyden and the van Eyck brothers. While the chromaticism and cyclic treatment of themes reveal the influence of Franck, certain harmonic progressions are typical of Impressionist music.

He died in Brussels in 1956.

"Opus Sacrum - In Nativitate Domini" was published by Chester Library in 1920, and has this somewhat unusual dedication: "Clarissimo musico Domino Anselmo Deprez, Benedictino Monachorumque Maredsolensium choro illustrissimo." I translate this as: "The famous music of Don Anselmo Deprez, Benedictine, the most famous choir of the monks."

There are seven relatively brief works in the group, each depicting a scene or meaning of the Christmas season. They appear to be organ "interludes," perhaps intended to be used at a Low Mass.

The two recorded here are the first, "Rex pacificus" (King of Peace), and the fifth, "Angelus ad pastores aït. (The angel said unto the shepherds.)

Like much of Maleingreau's writing, these colorful miniatures, give us a brief image, and then, vanish away.

A photo of Paul de Maleingreau is attached below.

Peace and blessings to All!