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Alain owes much to his sister Marie-Claire, who was only thirteen when he was killed. She produced an edition of his complete works and, as another Dupré pupil, has been a tireless advocate of his organ music. Their father had studied with Vierne, and built a four-manual salon organ that was a notable inspiration for Jehan, whose Prélude profane No 1, quirky in atmosphere yet ultimately serene, makes a subtle introduction to his wide-ranging sound world [listen -- track 8, 0:00-1:03]. Far more ambitious is the Suite submitted successfully in 1936 for a composition prize. Its three movements are impressive in aim and achievement, and it is intriguing to hear Alain at a Scherzo a dozen years on from Vierne's, though equally brilliant and capricious [listen -- track 10, 8:37-9:33]. Lancelot negotiates its numerous pitfalls with aplomb.

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