From Bach to Bach - The Organist of the Century (CD53)

CD1-7

1. J.S. BACH - Solo organ works (early recordings)

CD8-9

1. J.S. BACH - Die Kunst der Fuge

CD9-10

1. The Bach Family

CD11-13

1. BUXTEHUDE - Solo organ works

CD14

1. SCHEIDT, ARAUXO - L’orgue avant Bach

CD15

1. Orgelmusik aus Norddeutschland

CD16-19

1. Concertos & Chamber Music (Bach, Soler, Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel…)

CD20-27

1. French Music from the 17th and 18th Centuries (L. & F. Couperin, Grigny, Daquin, Marchand, Balbastre…)

CD28-35

1. The Romantic Symphonic Organ (Widor, Vierne, Franck, Liszt, Messiaen…) & Toccatas

CD36-37

1. French Vocal Music

CD38

1. 20th Century French Works for organ & orchestra

CD39

1. Trumpet & organ 1966 & 1970

CD40-41

1. JEHAN ALAIN - Solo organ works

CD41

1. Flute & organ

CD42-53

1. J.S. BACH - The complete works for solo organ (3rd version - Digital recordings)

To honor the centenary of her birth, this 53-CD box set celebrates the legacy of Marie-Claire Alain.

The project covers her extensive recording career and aims to reflect the diversity and richness of her many artistic facets, with about a quarter of the collection consisting of first-time releases on CD. It documents the evolution of her interpretive style, spanning from 1954 to 2000, contrasting her pioneering recordings with some of her final, most accomplished performances. 

The collection includes a wide array of works, ranging from the German school, French classics, and romantic and symphonic works, to modern compositions — including the music of her father, Albert, and brother, Jehan — and collaborations with fellow musicians such as Maurice André and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

The title “From Bach to Bach” reflects the fact that J.S. Bach was the backbone and guiding thread of Marie-Claire Alain’s musical life. She performed his works tirelessly in concert and returned to him throughout her recording career, producing three complete cycles. This set includes the third and final cycle, recorded in digital, as well as her earlier, nearly complete collection of “free” pieces (those not part of the chorale repertoire) recordings that predated her integral editions.