jehan alain (born saint-germain-en-laye, paris, 3 february, 1911; died near saumur, 20 june 1940) was a french organist and composer. he learned to play the organ at home on an organ that his father had built. in his short life he composed many works. his most famous organ pieces are "trois danses" (three dances) and a brilliant piece called "litanies".