State of the World from NPR A Sound Mirror: Notre Dame Cathedral's Restoration Can Be Heard in Its Resonance
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Dec 24, 2024 Olivier Latry, Notre Dame's longest-serving organist, shares how the cathedral's acoustics have transformed post-fire. A meticulous restoration in five years has made the grand organ even more resonant. The emotional impact of the fire resonates through personal reflections, emphasizing the structure's beauty and history. A special blessing ritual highlights the organ's role in liturgical settings, showcasing its architectural significance and the organist's improvisational talent. The renewed sound captures the essence of this sacred space.
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Last to Play
- Olivier Latry, Notre Dame's longest-serving organist, was the last to play the organ on Palm Sunday 2019, before the fire.
- He applied for the position on a lark, not expecting to get it, but has now held the job for 40 years.
Fearing Collapse
- Latry was on tour when he learned about the fire and feared the cathedral would collapse.
- Seeing the towers illuminated by the sun the next day, he felt reassured of the cathedral's resilience.
Organ's Survival
- Despite the fire's destruction, the grand organ remained miraculously intact, undamaged by fire, heat, or water.
- This was due to the firefighters’ careful actions.