The Complete "L'Orgue mystique" by Charles Tournemire – One organist’s quest to play the entire 15 hour piece comes to Philadelphia
A decade ago, Richard Spotts, an organist from Doylestown, started a very special journey: to perform the entire “L’Orgue mystique” by Charles Tournemire (1870–1939) — a fifteen-hour, two hundred fifty-three movement work that is rarely heard in its entirety. This journey took Richard across the United States and Canada, where he performed portions of “L’Orgue mystique” at numerous notable colleges, cathedrals, parishes, and other religious institutions.
Since then, he has given two complete performances of the work. Most recently, this past fall he performed the work in a concert spanning ten days at churches throughout Pittsburgh, hosted by Duquesne University and the Pittsburgh and Duquesne Chapters of the American Guild of Organists.
Charles Tournemire’s “L’Orgue mystique” represents a pivotal point in the history of liturgical organ music. This magnum opus, composed from 1927 to 1932, is comprised of fifty-one Offices and employs over three hundred Gregorian chants spanning the Liturgical Calendar.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Tournemire’s death. Though most known for “L’Orgue mystique,” his compositions also span opera, chamber works, symphonies, and piano solos. To honor the artist around the anniversary of his death, Richard is bringing his skills to Philadelphia during Lent at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill.
Organist Richard Spotts and Charles Tournemire
His next performance of the complete “L’Orgue mystique” will be taking place during Lent, with a prelusive introductory recital taking place at Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Lansdale. That event will be held on February 9th and is hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
FULL DETAILS:
March 2nd - April 1st Monday through Wednesday throughout Lent and April 6th and 7th at 7:30PM
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hill
22 East Chestnut Hill Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19118
Explore More
Composer Sean Shepherd shares his journey from Reno to international commissions with leading orchestras, highlighting the role of mentorship, friendship, and collaboration in shaping his music. He discusses works like Lattice Work, Quadruple Concerto, and Sprout, offering insights into his creative process, influences, and belief in music as a living, collaborative art.
Pianist Tanya Gabrielian shares her uncompromising approach to music-making—balancing radical authenticity, intellectual depth, and a mission to revive forgotten works. From Alexander Siloti’s overlooked editions to transformative audience encounters, discover how Gabrielian redefines success in the classical world.
Discover the story of the Leonkoro Quartet—Berlin’s rising chamber ensemble making waves across Europe and North America. In this Classical Post podcast, they share how a viral YouTube video launched their career, the impact of mentorship from legendary quartets, highlights from their North American debut tour, and the creative spark behind their upcoming Alpha Classics album. A conversation about friendship, artistry, and building something that lasts.
Discover the story of baritone Konstantin Krimmel, from his early days in a German boys’ choir to international acclaim at venues like the Bavarian State Opera, Wigmore Hall, Schubertiade, and his U.S. debut. In this Classical Post podcast, Krimmel shares how competitions, repertoire choices, and his passion for storytelling through song have shaped his career.
The name Rimsky-Korsakov is enshrined in the canon of Russian music, yet until now, one remarkable branch of that musical lineage remained nearly forgotten. With the release of YULIYA: Forgotten Songs of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov on Azica Records, soprano Sarah Moulton Faux and pianist-composer Konstantin Soukhovetski revive the voice of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov (1878–1942)—Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s daughter-in-law, a brilliant Jewish composer whose legacy was buried by antisemitism, war, and time.
Harpist Ashley Jackson’s Take Me to the Water redefines classical music with a spiritual, cross-cultural journey through works by Alice Coltrane, Debussy, and Margaret Bonds. Blending sacred traditions and global lineages, her album is a powerful meditation on unity, beauty, and reflection.
Mezzo-soprano Devony Smith and pianist Danny Zelibor reimagine American art song in In This Short Life—a powerful debut album of contemporary works by diverse composers like Higdon, Lang, Boykin, and Liverman. Out June 13, it’s a bold celebration of collaboration, resilience, and genre-defying artistry.
Explore how the Takács Quartet bridges generations through music—pairing Florence Price and Dvořák, collaborating with Marc-André Hamelin, and championing new voices like Clarice Assad and Jordan Bak. Rooted in tradition, they continue to innovate from their home in Boulder, Colorado.
Discover the remarkable journey of Sir Stephen Hough—from early acclaim and Grammy-winning performances to composing during the pandemic. Explore how this celebrated pianist, writer, and composer continues to evolve with curiosity, craftsmanship, and courage in the world of classical music.
Explore flutist Demarre McGill’s path from rising talent to principal roles, Avery Fisher Career Grant winner, mentor of talent, and champion of new music.
Discover violinist Bella Hristova’s journey from Bulgaria to Carnegie Hall, her Lineage project, and her impact on solo violin repertoire and new music.
Discover pianist Kate Liu’s remarkable rise from Chopin International Competition laureate to globe‑trotting soloist. Explore her new Orchid Classics release pairing Beethoven’s transcendent Sonata Op. 110 with Brahms’s youthful yet monumental Sonata No. 3, plus upcoming concerto dates in Zagreb, Ann Arbor and Warsaw.
Explore how composer Sebastian Currier fuses classical roots, bold collaborations, and new technologies to redefine contemporary music’s possibilities.
Discover how Norwegian cellist Sandra Lied Haga evolved from child prodigy to global star, performing iconic concertos and forging a bold classical legacy
Discover how violinist Maria Dueñas merges virtuosic technique and deep expression—from competition triumphs to her bold new Paganini Caprices album.