THE HARMONIUMS
COMPOSITION 1933
According to Rollin Smith (Playing the Organ Works of Cesar Franck, page 43):
“This instrument was sold September 1, 1861 and may have been purchased new
for use as the orgue-de-choeur or to provide music in one of the chapels.” It was
Mustel’s Modèle 39, with a rosewood case and ivory keys.
This harmonium was used for services when the Grand Orgue was not working,
and Jean Langlais is said to have played it in recital. Franck, Tournemire and
Langlais may have played on this instrument and composed some of their
harmonium works on this instrument.
This instrument is still present in the church, but it is not in use anymore and in
storage in the wedding sacristy. It will be classified and restaurated in due time.
According to Rollin Smith, from 1885, the parish was endowed with a second 19-
stop Mustel Model K harmonium to accompany the choir. This instrument,
placed on the first floor of the tribune, was probably sold in 1888. That same year,
Merklin installed his new choir organ.
Source: Carolyn Shuster Fournier Les instruments à claviers d'accompagnement de la
basilique Sainte-Clotilde La tradition musicale de la basilique Sainte-Clotilde de Paris L’Orgue
n° 278-279 )(2007/II-III) 159-161 ISSN 0030-5170
HARMONIUM MUSTEL MODÈLE 39 (1861)
The information about the harmoniums at Ste Clotilde is supplied by Michael Hendron, San Francisco, California, USA.
Most of it was told to him by Mr. Jean Tranchant when he showed the harmoniums in April 2012.
HARMONIUM ALEXANDRE AT THE BASILICA
HARMONIUM ALEXANDRE IN THE CHAPEL
This instrument is located on the back of the chapel and was made in Paris by Alexandre Père et Fils (there was an address plate
that has now disappeared).
THE HARMONIUMS
HARMONIUM MUSTEL MODÈLE 39 (1861)
According to Rollin Smith (Playing the Organ
Works of Cesar Franck, page 43):
“This instrument was sold September 1, 1861 and
may have been purchased new for use as the
orgue-de-choeur or to provide music in one of
the chapels.” It was Mustel’s Modèle 39, with a
rosewood case and ivory keys.
This harmonium was used for services when the
Grand Orgue was not working, and Jean
Langlais is said to have played it in recital.
Franck, Tournemire and Langlais may have
played on this instrument and composed some
of their harmonium works on this instrument.
This instrument is still present in the church,
but it is not in use anymore and in storage in
the wedding sacristy. It will be classified and
restaurated in due time.
According to Rollin Smith, from 1885, the parish
was endowed with a second 19-stop Mustel
Model K harmonium to accompany the choir.
This instrument, placed on the first floor of the
tribune, was probably sold in 1888. That same
year, Merklin installed his new choir organ.
Source: Carolyn Shuster Fournier Les instruments à claviers
d'accompagnement de la basilique Sainte-Clotilde La
tradition musicale de la basilique Sainte-Clotilde de Paris
L’Orgue n° 278-279 )(2007/II-III) 159-161 ISSN 0030-5170
HARMONIUM ALEXANDRE
AT THE BASILICA
HARMONIUM ALEXANDRE
AT THE CHAPEL
This instrument is located on the back of the
chapel and was made in Paris by Alexandre
Père et Fils (there was an address plate that has
now disappeared).
