A ALTENBERGER DOM

In 1877 I discovered the cathedral of Altenberg in the German Federal Republic, 15 km in the North-East of Köln. This splendid edifice of the 15th century lies hidden in a woody landscape, a haven offering quiet and peace. A great solemnity inviting to spirituality emanates from this site, where Protestants and Catholics come from everywhere in order to celebrate their religion, to participate in seminaries, in meetings, to sing, to make music and to hear music.

In 1980 Johannes KLAIS built here a magnificent organ, composed of 82 registers having the most rich and various sonority. Since this date the modulations of my pan pipes have involved in those of this mighty instrument. This union has now become a tradition, even a festivity in which a large public of faithfull listeners takes part.

We both, Jean DAHAIS and me, have created a suite of musical pieces in form of a great fresco, where echoes of gregorian chant, classic, romantic, contempory and meditative styles are mixed, according to our impulse and spontanous intuition.

Thanks to the friendship of Paul WISSKIRCHEN, organist, the present album has been recorded in this marvellous site which we are keeping in our heart.

Thank you, Paul, Thank you Altenberg, and... till we meet again!
J-C Mara

"Music is the language which expresses the most interior feelings of our souls, that's why it is so dear to us."
(Romain Rolland)

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