Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1860 - 1862

Average_duration

:

24:36

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

César Franck's Grande pièce symphonique in F sharp minor, Op. 17, M. 29 is a monumental work for the organ, composed in 1862. It was premiered by Franck himself at the inauguration of the newly built Cavaillé-Coll organ at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where he served as the organist. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked Andante serioso, begins with a solemn and introspective theme played on the pedals. The theme is then taken up by the manuals and developed through a series of variations, each more complex and ornate than the last. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked Cantabile, is a lyrical and expressive aria. The melody is introduced by the solo reed stop, accompanied by a gentle arpeggio in the left hand. The melody is then taken up by the flutes and strings, building to a lush and romantic climax. The movement ends with a quiet and introspective coda. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a virtuosic tour de force for the organist. It begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played on the manuals, accompanied by a driving bass line in the pedals. The theme is then developed through a series of variations, each more complex and challenging than the last. The movement builds to a thrilling climax before ending with a triumphant coda. Throughout the piece, Franck demonstrates his mastery of the organ as an instrument capable of great emotional depth and complexity. The Grande pièce symphonique is a landmark work in the organ repertoire, and a testament to Franck's skill as a composer and performer.

More....