Gregorian Chant in the Improvisations of Antoine Sibertin-Blanc: A Look at a Concert Performed at Évora Cathedral

um olhar sobre um concerto realizado na Sé de Évora

Abstract

The name of Antoine Sibertin-Blanc (1930-2012) is unmistakably connected to the rebirth of organ teaching in Portugal and largely influenced the Portuguese organ scene in the second half of the twentieth century. His pedagogical work allowed the training of several generations of organists active to the present day. At the same time Sibertin-Blanc held the position of organist at Lisbon cathedral from the installation of the Flentrop organ in 1965 until his death. Despite the importance of his work being generally recognised, the life and work of Antoine Sibertin-Blanc have never been the subject of an in-depth study. His activity as improviser – displayed in many of his concerts, but especially evident in the context of his role as liturgical organist – has not been studied until today, despite having motivated countless expressions of admiration throughout his life in Portugal. Through the analysis of the recording of a concert held in December 1997, this article aims to present some of the most striking characteristics of Antoine Sibertin-Blanc’s practice as an improviser.