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By all accounts a gloomy and brooding personality, Maurice Durufle lived virtually next door to the most notorious anti-establishment composers in early 20th century Paris. But he remained conservative, provincial and secretive to the end, his private papers never allowed out of the library for public consumption. 

Just how Durufle managed to write some of the most sublime and spiritual music is a question explored in a new book by James Frazier, organist and choir master at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul.

Frazier spoke with MPR classical host Alison Young about his discoveries writing the book, and why he refers to it not as a biography, but a scrapbook.

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Alison Young

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Music at once impressionistic, transcendent and deeply personal was written by 20th century French composer Maurice Durufle, a man who whose gloomy constitution had nothing to do with the music he made. His secrets, his life and the magic of his music are revealed in a new book by a Minnesota organist.

Secrets revealed with new book on Maurice Durufle

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