Composer

:

Louis Vierne

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1900

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Louis Vierne's 'Suite bourguignonne, Op. 17' is a four-movement suite for organ, composed in 1898. The suite was premiered by the composer himself on November 27, 1898, at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. The first movement, 'Prélude', is a lively and energetic piece in 6/8 time. It begins with a fanfare-like motif in the pedals, which is then taken up by the manuals. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quieter section, which features a lyrical melody in the upper registers of the organ. The movement ends with a return to the opening material. The second movement, 'Menuet', is a graceful dance in 3/4 time. The melody is introduced in the manuals, accompanied by a simple bass line in the pedals. The music gradually becomes more complex, with the addition of counterpoint and ornamentation. The movement ends with a brief coda, which brings back the opening melody. The third movement, 'Sicilienne', is a slow and stately piece in 6/8 time. The melody is introduced in the manuals, accompanied by a gentle arpeggio in the pedals. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of more complex harmonies and counterpoint. The movement ends with a quiet coda, which features a delicate trill in the upper registers of the organ. The final movement, 'Toccata', is a virtuosic showpiece in 6/8 time. It begins with a fast and furious passage in the pedals, which is then taken up by the manuals. The music builds to a climax, with the addition of more complex rhythms and harmonies. The movement ends with a triumphant coda, which features a series of rapid arpeggios in the upper registers of the organ. Overall, 'Suite bourguignonne, Op. 17' is a charming and accessible work, which showcases Vierne's skill as a composer and organist. The suite is notable for its use of simple, folk-like melodies, which are treated with great sensitivity and imagination. The music is also characterized by its clear and transparent textures, which allow the listener to appreciate the full range of colors and timbres available on the organ.

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