In Flanders’ Fields Vol. 85 - On the Wings of Winds

In spite of Joseph Jongen’s admiration for Debussy and Ravel— their rich tone colors and ‘daring’ harmonies strongly appealed to him—his musical style rather continued that of the school of César Franck. He deliberately preferred to further explore the well trodden paths. All his compositions are suffused with warm, glowing intensity, alternately enthusiastic and meditative, reflective and exuberant, playful and tender, but always fascinating. Jongen is and remains a dyed-in-the-wool late romanticist, honest, open and passionate. However, his rich and subtle orchestral colors betray both the influence of impressionism and the organist’s craft.