Vierne's 24 Pièces en style libre are popular, if only because advanced organ amateurs can play them. Especially for them it is a nice exercise in tricky sharps and flats. All 24 standard keys are used in the 24 pieces. Vierne composed them for both harmonium and (pipe) organ, with or without pedal. Pedal playing with the feet is actually desirable in the festive 21st piece, Carillon, with its
… obsessive bell theme. To bring out the difference, Italian organist Giulio Mercati plays the pieces partly on harmonium and partly on organ. That harmonium, by the way, shows a lot of noise. (HJ)more