The Parisian organist and composer Charles Tournemire (1870-1939) followed in the footsteps of Cesar Franck as one of his most faithful and admiring students, and eventually succeeded him as organist of the same church. However, he was no imitator but very creative, world-renowned for his improvistions in an advanced style, carrying the art to heights of intensity and mysticism still emulated by the great French organists. His postludes might continue for some ten minutes, whether anyone was still there to listen or not.
One day a new or visiting priest had celebrated mass. After puttering around in the sacristy for awhile, he noticed Tournemire still carrying on in the organ loft, climbed all the stairs, and confronted him at the console: "What are you doing? It is only the sortie [going-out music]." Hardly batting an eye, Tournemire replied, "Alors, mon pere, sortez!" (Then go out, Father!)
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