Maison de Marcel Dupré

Deep within the Parisian suburb of Meudon, the Maison de Marcel Dupré whispers tales of musical genius. The renowned composer and organist, Marcel Dupré, called this house his sanctuary from 1925 to 1971. The Maison de Marcel Dupré isn’t just a house. It’s a testament to a life interwoven with the rich tapestry of music. Dupré, a master of the organ, transformed this residence into a vibrant hub of creativity. He added a dedicated music room to the original 1860s structure. This room became home to a magnificent organ, originally built in 1899 by Charles Mutin for Alexandre Guilmant. The organ’s journey to the Maison de Marcel Dupré is a story in itself. It was first housed in Guilmant’s home, located just down the road. After Guilmant’s passing and the demolition of his house, Dupré acquired the instrument. He entrusted its installation to Joseph Beuchet, the director of the esteemed Cavaillé-Coll organ company. This organ, with its neo-gothic casing designed by architect Buisine, became the centerpiece of Dupré’s musical world. Imagine the scene in the music room at the Maison de Marcel Dupré. Stained glass windows, remnants of the 19th century, cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. The air vibrates with the rich sounds of the organ. Originally boasting three keyboards and 28 stops, the organ underwent a transformation under Dupré’s care. In 1932, a solo division with six additional stops was added. The mechanics were modernized to an electro-mechanical system. This allowed Dupré to implement his innovative combination settings, complete with sostenuto pedals for the keyboards. He even extended the keyboard range by a full octave. These advancements gave the instrument a distinctly modern feel. The Maison de Marcel Dupré, with its remarkable organ, became a magnet for music lovers between the two World Wars. Dupré hosted private concerts, filling the house with melodies that resonated far beyond its walls. Today, the organ continues to sing thanks to the dedicated care of Jean-Claude Mérouze. The villa, now owned by a retired pharmacist with a passion for the instrument, stands as a living tribute to Dupré’s musical legacy. Although the acoustics of the room are described as dry, and the keyboard demands a flawless technique, the organ at the Maison de Marcel Dupré remains a powerful echo of a bygone era. It whispers the secrets of a master composer and organist, inviting us to step into the harmonious world of Marcel Dupré.