One of the things I like about the church that my wife and I attend is the lack of dogma - it's a Unitarian Church, where Thoreau and Emerson are quoted more frequently than Jesus, or any of the prophets.

Another thing is the frequently excellent music that is performed during the services.

Yesterday, accompanying the regular pianist was a classical saxophone player and, throughout the service, they performed selected movements from
"Tableaux de Provence"
by
Paule Maurice

AllMusic has this piece listed as her only composition, or at least the only one to have ever been recorded. This one was just outstanding. It reminded me a little bit of Ennio Maricone.

Any classical geeks out there know of any other works of hers? Or which recording of this piece is particularly good?

Thanks.

have yet to hear anything by her, but i'm a huge fan of new/modern classical [max richter, arve henriksen, hans appelqvist, johann johannsson, yann tierson, etc].

todd, i posted a new mix this past weekend with some of these artists in it? did you check it out? you might enjoy it.

will be on the lookout for paule maurice.

I did not see the mix you posted.
Where's the link?

Actually, I'm not a huge modern classical fan, in general, but this piece was just excellent.

On a relatred subject:
A few years ago I was priveliged to witness one of the finest musical programs I have ever attended.

It was an "Open Rehearsal" of the Chicago Civic Orchestra (sort of the training ground for the CSO), of a piece by Bartok, directed by Pierre Boulez.

Boulez came out and spoke directly to the audience about the piece and why he loved it. He then, started deconstructing the piece, with the help of the orchestra, isolating a few measures here and there: showcasing certain sections of the orchestra and then demonstrating how those parts meshed with the entire arrangement.

This type of thing went on for about an hour and was utterly fascenating. Boulez then left the stage to let the orchestra tune up, and came back to lead them in the performance of the entire piece. I had a whole new appreciation of it.

Also, Boulez was extremely affable and approachable throughout the entire evening; very jokey and light-hearded. He developed a wonderful report with both the audience and the orchestra.

Just incredible.

And the most incredible thing about it all... it was FREE!