Sunday, October 10, 2010

Basilique Sainte Clotilde


The Basilique Sainte Clotilde was built in the Neo-Gothic style and completed in 1857. It was reportedly the most fashionable church in 19th Century Paris and well-known for its Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ.


For those who love classical music, it is interesting to note that César Franck inaugurated the organ playing his Final in B flat and J.S. Bach's Prelude and fugue in b minor. It is reported that every time Franz Liszt was in Paris, he would sit in the organ loft to hear Franck play his most recent compositions.


Basilique Sainte Clotilde
23 bis, rue Las Cases

25 comments:

Elisa said...

Thanks for passing by my blog while I´m travelling. Your are so kind :)
Elisa from Rome

Kate said...

The angle of the shot emphasizes the massiveness of the Church. I'd love to listen while music fills the building. Sigh! PS. Have I ever told you how much your banner delights me when I open your blog?

Starman said...

Don't think I've ever seen this but we don't spend much time in the 7e.

Virginia said...

I've never been here either but I would surely love to hear that organ!

Birdman said...

Your positioning on this one is dramatic to say the least.

Alexa said...

Great angle on those soaring spires, Genie! I look forward to "going to church" with you every Sunday.
(I see on the church's website that they have free concerts—good to know!)

Randy said...

I have to echo Kate's comment. I also love all the detail and the windows are amazing. Have a beautiful day!

M said...

Soaring spires (check), statues (check), rose window (check), exquisite detail (check), organ (check), J.S. Bach's Prelude & fugue (double check) -- What's not to love and fascinate??? I can just imagine that piece in a candle-lit evening ... Another item on my "list" ... When are we going back????

Great photo, Genie!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Elisa -- Safe travels to you! I am looking forward to many photos and stories.

Kate -- Merci! As you know some buildings are difficult to photograph due to their size/shape. It seems that this angle displays some of its features like the statues, the twin spires, the rose window. I'm glad that you approve. Oh, and thank you for the happy comment on the banner.

Starman -- If you get to Rue Cler area this is but a short walk from there.

Birdman -- Thank you. I was pleased that the photo showed the details of the spires with the "little teeth."

Alexa -- Thank you and I will have to return to Paris for more photos. I know, always another excuse why I must return. Glad you are here with me today.

Randy -- You should see that rose window from the inside on a bright day.

M -- Would it just be incredible to hear an organ concert of Bach or Mozart? Holly and I heard a children's choir rehearsing on the day we visited. Why did I not have any photos of that?! Slacker. Let's grab our "D"s and go!

Cildemer said...

Great shot of a very beautiful church!

***
Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice day*******

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous architectural shot! But as beautiful as it is, it reminds me of that church spire in the movie, "The Omen!" LOL...that movie really creeped me out and I get the same chills looking at your beautiful picture.

Liz

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Cildemer -- Thank you -- There are so many elegant churches in Paris that I will never see them all.

Liz -- And that would be why I do not watch very scary movies, ever. I saw a Disney cartoon movie that scared the dickens out of me when I was about 6 and it ruined me forever. Silly, but true!

Roberto Machado Alves said...

Beautiful church. Thanks for sharing.

greetings.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Roberto -- Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I enjoyed your waterfall post when I looked back a couple of days.

James said...

What a neat looking church and I like your perspective!

Anonymous said...

Lovely church - I will keep my eyes peeled.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Sooz -- Have a blast in London and let me know when you arrive in Paris. I'll be there in spirit!

Unknown said...

oh this is realy great, big hugh Kathrin

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

kathrin -- Merci beaucoup, mon amie.

'Tsuki said...

I discover new views of old monuments through your eyes... And it is a real pleasure !

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

'Tsuki -- Merci, and I enjoy your photo perspectives equally as well!

Sab said...

I used to eat my sandwiches at lunchtime in that little garden so often when I was working near there - you're bring back lots of memories for me!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Sab -- Merci. The garden has a small playground as I remember for the school children.

Rob said...

A very impressive Basilica! I wish I has the 12-24mm wide angle lens to get the entire facade in the frame.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Rob -- Moi aussi. I do have a 17mm now that I did not have when this photo was taken. I will have to try again on my next trip!