Composer

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César Franck

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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1863

Average_duration

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8:55

César Franck's "Pastorale" for organ in E major, Op. 19, M. 31, was composed in 1860 and premiered on February 2, 1861, at the Sainte-Clotilde church in Paris, where Franck was the organist. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Andante," begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the left. The melody is then passed to the left hand, while the right hand plays a more elaborate counterpoint. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, peaceful conclusion. The second movement, marked "Allegretto," is more lively and playful than the first. It features a jaunty, syncopated melody in the right hand, accompanied by a bouncy bass line in the left. The middle section of the movement is more contemplative, with a slower, more lyrical melody in the right hand. The final movement, marked "Andantino," is the most expansive and complex of the three. It begins with a solemn, hymn-like melody in the pedals, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the hands. The melody is then taken up by the hands, with the pedals providing a rich, resonant accompaniment. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. Throughout the piece, Franck demonstrates his mastery of the organ as an instrument capable of great expressiveness and nuance. The "Pastorale" is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and subtle use of counterpoint. It is a testament to Franck's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ as an instrument.

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