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French organist and composer of the late-Romantic era, renowned for his profound contributions to organ repertoire and his tenure as titular organist at Notre-Dame de Paris.Born nearly blind, Vierne studied under César Franck and Charles-Marie Widor at the Paris Conservatoire. Appointed Notre-Dame's organist in 1900, he held the position for 37 years. His life was marked by personal tragedies including family losses in WWI, financial struggles, and deteriorating health. He composed six organ symphonies, chamber works, and sacred music, dying mid-recital at his beloved organ.

• Vierne was born with congenital cataracts, leaving him nearly blind. His limited vision was further reduced to light perception after a childhood fall.
• His first marriage ended in divorce amid financial strain; his brother and son René were killed in WWI, plunging him into severe depression.
• Despite multiple surgeries and chronic pain from glaucoma, he maintained an international concert career, famed for his improvisations.
• Vierne died of a heart attack during his 1,750th recital at Notre-Dame on June 2, 1937, while performing his own composition. Eyewitnesses reported his final words: 'I am playing... I can’t see... I can’t feel my feet...' before collapsing.