Tune in to Thursday's edition of Afternoon Classical on Thursday, July 23rd 2015 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM for an exploration of the compositions of French composer and organist Louis Vierne. Born on October 8th 1870, Vierne was technically legally blind and would have many ocular issues throughout his life. Despite his poor vision, Vierne exhibited both a gift for and appreciation of music, he went on to study with César Franck, and ultimately Vierne dedicated his entire life to music. Vierne was an organist at the famous Paris cathedral Notre Dame for almost fourty years, serving as organist from May 1900 until his death of a heart attack while in the midst of performing a recital at the organ of Notre Dame Cathedral on June 2nd 1937. Vierne was an extraordinary composer and his music is deeply moving. Our listening will focus primarily on Vierne's choral and organ works, including a sampling of his symphonies. Elisabeth Stam hosts.