Litanies, JA 119

Jehan Alain’s *Litanies* (1937) is one of the most striking and intense works in the organ repertoire. Written in response to the sudden death of his younger sister, the piece is driven by a sense of urgent, almost obsessive prayer. Alain himself described it as a “prayer of anguish,” in which the soul, faced with despair, finds no words but must repeat the same cry over and over.

Built on a relentless rhythmic motif, *Litanies* unfolds as a continuous surge of energy, with insistent repetitions and mounting harmonic tension. The music rarely pauses for reflection, instead pressing forward with unwavering momentum, creating a feeling of both desperation and determination. Its modal harmonies and sharp dissonances give the work a distinctive, modern voice, while still rooted in a spiritual tradition.

The result is a powerful and deeply personal expression of grief transformed into defiant hope — a testament to Alain’s unique musical language and emotional intensity.

So says AI! This is a piece that I have always loved & it has been wonderful to come back to it after a long break. The listening & preparation for this recording have been a wonderful journey & I have enjoyed myself enormously.
I believe that this instrument is a great partner in this performance & I relished letting it guide me.