LANGLAIS DVD PROJECT
Life and Music of Jean Langlais
"What a gift to the organ world" is just one of the many accolades the Los Angeles chapter received for its professionally produced DVD, Life and Music of Jean Langlais. The program is based on the research of Langlais disciple Ann Labounsky, who is featured as narrator and performer.
Jean Langlais
Jean Langlais (1907-1991), blind from early childhood, was among the most significant organ composers, performers, and teachers of the 20th century, and was successor to the French school founded by César Franck at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris.
Jean Langlais
This professionally produced documentary features Ann Labounsky, Ph.D., FAGO - organist, teacher, and scholar, and author of the book Jean Langlais: The Man and His Music. Dr. Labounsky studied with Langlais in Paris and has made the first recording of his complete organ works. She is uniquely qualified to tell his life story.
The DVD program makes use of many original materials including photos, maps, music scores, and many performance excerpts of his music. There are interviews with pupils and associates of Langlais such as Marilyn Mason, Charles Dodsley Walker, Marilou Kratzenstein, Allen Hobbs, Paul Salamunovich, and Norberto Guinaldo. Jean Langlais is also heard speaking in both French and English.
Click to view DVD cover
This DVD was produced by the Los Angeles Chapter, American Guild of Organists, and was created by Mist Media Inc. of Burbank CA, with direction by William Mistretta, Ed.D. The project committee consisted of Ty Woodward, Ronald Sinanian, Gregory Norton, Frances Johnston, Mary Lee Mistretta, William Beck, and Vincent Verga.
Unfortunately this DVD is no longer in print. Limited copies may be available from the Organ Historical Society Online Catalog.