Jehan - like his fellow countrywoman, Jehanne. Like her, he died for country, in practical application of love and honor of mother and father, of the land of his ancestors.
Though he did not die for his Church, Jehan Alain (1911-1940) shared with Joan of Arc a love for France greater than his love for is own earthly life - and died for this, only 29, killed by German troops on one of the very last days of the Battle of France, June 20, 1940.
Jehan Alain
Messe modale en septuor (1938) - JA 136 [1st part]
Jehan Alain's centennial was last year; the great organist and composer, whose life was cut so short by war, leaving a young wife and three children behind, cannot be forgotten during the celebrations of the 600th anniversary of the birth of Saint Joan of Arc.
Jehan Alain
Messe modale en septuor (1938) - JA 136 [2nd part]
[Image: Church of Saint Nicholas in Maisons-Lafitte, Yvelines, near Paris, where Alain served as an organist during his most productive years.]
