Composer

:

Jean Langlais

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

40:55

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Suite Française is a composition for organ by French composer Jean Langlais. It was composed in 1944 and premiered in the same year at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. The suite consists of five movements, each of which is based on a different French folk song. The first movement, titled "Prelude," is a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the suite. It features a fast-paced melody that is played in the upper registers of the organ, accompanied by a driving bass line in the pedals. The second movement, "Menuet," is a more subdued piece that is based on a traditional French dance. It features a simple, elegant melody that is played in the middle registers of the organ, accompanied by a gentle, flowing accompaniment in the upper registers. The third movement, "Chant de paix," is a beautiful and contemplative piece that is based on a French hymn. It features a haunting melody that is played in the upper registers of the organ, accompanied by a soft, gentle accompaniment in the lower registers. The fourth movement, "Scherzo," is a lively and playful piece that is based on a traditional French dance. It features a fast-paced melody that is played in the upper registers of the organ, accompanied by a driving bass line in the pedals. The final movement, "Toccata," is a virtuosic piece that showcases the full range and power of the organ. It features a fast-paced, complex melody that is played in the upper registers of the organ, accompanied by a thunderous bass line in the pedals. Overall, Suite Française is a beautiful and masterful composition that showcases Langlais' skill as a composer and his deep love for French folk music. Its five movements are each unique and distinct, yet they come together to form a cohesive and powerful whole.

More....