A student of Franck and de Widor at the Paris Conservatoire, he succeeded his professor (following Gabriel Pierné) at the Sainte-Clotilde Tribune (1898), before becoming a professor of chambre music at the conservatoire in 1921. Known primarily as an organist, he led an international career as a performer, and was recognised as one of the greatest improvisers of his time.

As a devout catholic, Tournemire’s distinctly personal musical style—that occasionally betrays the influence of Franck— is marked by its religious overtones. Although he is remembered today largely for his organ works (most notably, the monumental L’Orgue mystique [1927-1932], a cycle of 253 pieces based on Gregorian chant), the importance of his chambre and orchestral works, and by extension, his contribution to the music of the early 20th century, is slowly becoming acknowledged.