Hymne de Action de Grâces (Te Deum), Op. 5, No. 3

Jean Langlais (1907-1991) was a composer, organist, and influential teacher who studied at the Institution des Jeunes Aveugles (National Institute for the Young Blind) in Paris. Langlais' harmony teacher was Albert Mahaut, a former pupil of César Franck. He studied piano with Blazy and organ with André Marchal, who was also blind. In 1930, Langlais won the premier prix in organ in Marcel Dupré's class at the National Conservatory. In 1934, he won a composition prize in Paul Dukas' class and, like Messiaen, was one of the composer's last students. Langlais studied improvisation with Charles Tournemire and received the Grand Prix d'Exécution et Improvisation des Amis de l'Orgue in 1931. He became organist for St. Pierre de Montrouge. During this time, Langlais composed his first works, the organ pieces Trois poèmes évangéliques (1932) and the 24 Pièces (1933-1939). In 1945, he joined the staff of the Institution des Jeunes Aveugles, where he was to remain for 40 years teaching and conducting the choir.

The vast majority of Langlais' 254 compositions are on religious themes, although there are several concertos, organ symphonies, and individual secular pieces.

"Trois Paraphrases Grégoriennes" was published in 1933/34 by .Hérelle
"Hymne de Action de Grâces (Te Deum)" is the third and final work in the opus. It remains one of the composer's most popular works.

This was a last minute idea, and it's not really an "Easter piece," but it is a grand work of praise.

In wanting it to be "authentic," I carefully checked notes, tempi, etc., and followed these in my recording.

Earlier today, when I was looking for pictures of Langlais, I came across this website: http://www.jeanlanglais.com/_Partitions.php?type=opo

Here I found out the their are MANY errors in the score, even as to tempo, so, I guess I should stuck with my instincts! Anyway, here it is, with all original errors!

Some photos of Langlais are attached.

I wish you All a peaceful and happy Easter!