Dreaming of melodies echoing through Parisian streets? You are standing on Rue Charles Tournemire. This street honors a great French composer and organist. Let’s dive into the story of Charles Tournemire and this street named after him.
Rue Charles Tournemire is located in the 17th arrondissement. It begins at 5, avenue de la Porte-de-Champerret. The street ends at 20, avenue de la Porte-de-Villiers. It is a relatively short street. It stretches only 155 meters. Its width is 10 meters.
Charles Tournemire was born in 1870 and died in 1939. He left a lasting mark on the world of music. Tournemire studied in Bordeaux and at the Paris Conservatoire. He was a student of Charles-Wilfrid Bériot and Antoine Taudou. Later, he spent a year in César Franck’s organ class. In 1891, he won a premier prix for organ.
Franck and Charles Widor greatly influenced him. In 1898, Tournemire became the organist at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. He held this position for the rest of his life. His cantata “Le sang de la sirène” won him recognition in 1903. Brittany inspired many of his works. These works include his Symphony no. 2 “Ouessant”. His opera “La Légende de Tristan” also drew inspiration from Brittany.
Tournemire is best known for “L’Orgue mystique”. This is a set of 51 organ pieces. Each piece is inspired by plainsong melodies. These melodies are specific to a Sunday in the liturgical calendar. He also composed eight symphonies. These symphonies are programmatic. He wrote many pieces for organ and piano. Additionally, he composed art songs and chamber works. Tournemire also wrote four operas. Only one opera, “Les dieux sont morts”, was performed during his lifetime.
Religious subjects were important to Tournemire. His works include the Trilogie Faust –Don Quichotte – Saint François d’Assise. He also composed Musique orante for string quartet. Other notable works are Apocalypse de saint Jean and La Douloureuse Passion du Christ. His last composition was Il Poverello di Assisi.
Rue Charles Tournemire was officially named in 1987. Before that, it was known as voie AG/17. The street was created as part of the ZAC Champerret development.
As you walk along Rue Charles Tournemire, remember the composer. Think of his music echoing through the streets. Charles Tournemire’s legacy lives on. It lives on not only in his music. It lives on also in the name of this Parisian street.