Jean-Jacques Grunenwald

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The music of Jean-Jacques Grunenwald has suffered unjustifiable neglect since his death in 1982 at the age of 71. An important presence on the Parisian musical scene during his lifetime, his music for his particular instrument, the organ, has perhaps been deemed stylistically too close to his contemporaries for serious appraisal.

Whilst it is true that traits of Alain’s modality and textural transparency, Durufl & eacute;’s evocative plainsong-inspired approach to both melody and harmony, and Dupr & eacute;’s penchant for colour, rhythmic & eacute;lan and contrapuntal integrity can be found in Grunenwald’s work, his voice is no less vivid, brilliant and, at times, original than his colleagues.

Jeremy Filsell, acknowledged as one of the few true virtuoso performers on both the piano and the organ, has appeared as a solo pianist at many UK concert venues and festivals, and works regularly with the BBC Singers, the European Contemporary Music Ensemble, City of London Sinfonia, New London Orchestra, and Pimlico Opera.

As a prize-winning concert organist, he has recorded recitals and concertos for BBC Radio 3; he has performed throughout the UK, extensively in France, Germany and Russia, and regularly in the USA. His solo recordings appear on the Herald, Guild, Gamut and ASV labels.

The Gramophone reviewer has written ‘…”I must register a certain shock at the sheer brilliance of his playing”. Technically he is outstanding, but what impresses me most is his uncanny musical insight and the sheer persuasive power of his performances.’