TOURNEMIRE (The original works are not for sale*)
Click here to visit the Tournemire Gallery
This section is devoted to my work inspired by the organ
music of the French composer CHARLES TOURNEMIRE (1870-1939). His great liturgical
cycle L'Orgue Mystique (The Mystical Organ) 1927-1932
comprises 51 5-part organ masses based on Gregorian chants encompassing the main
Sundays and festivals of the Roman rite.
The mystical radiance, tenderness and majesty of this music inspired
me to respond visually with The Mystic Image, a corresponding
cycle of 51 5-part pastel triptychs (each 100x125 cms) laid out as follows:
- introit (top left);
- offertory (below 1.);
- elevation (top right);
- communion (below 3.);
- postlude (centre).
To reflect Tournemire's encompassing
theme of light overcoming darkness I worked on black paper, each mark thus representing
light. My intention was to evoke the atmosphere of the music within the context
of the words of the chants whilst referring to elements of the composer's life
and faith. Thus, the sea and rocks of his island retreat, Ouessant; the cathedrals
he loved and his belief in the manifestation of God in Nature play essential
parts in the image sequences. Many of these images have been reproduced on CDs
of Tournemire's music and of choral and organ music by others.
* In 2001 a calendar featuring 12 of the triptychs was
published. Individual pages from those calendars, with a different triptych
on each side, are available for £1 each, or the set of 6, double-sided
pages for £5. Prices include P&P in UK. Payment by cheque only. The
triptychs available in this format are indicated below their titles (in red).
Please email Tom
Walker to arrange order.
For further information about The Mystic Image and my other works
inspired by Tournemire please e-mail Tom
Walker.
Click here to visit the Tournemire Gallery