Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Offertory

Compose Date

:

ca. 1865

Publication Date

:

1867

Average_duration

:

5:23

César Franck's "Offertoire sur un Noël breton" is a piece of organ music that was composed in 1884. It was premiered on December 25th of that year at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where Franck was the organist. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which showcases Franck's mastery of the organ and his ability to create a rich, complex sound. The first movement of "Offertoire sur un Noël breton" is marked "modéré" and begins with a simple, yet haunting melody played on the organ's flutes. This melody is then repeated and developed, with the addition of more complex harmonies and counterpoint. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement is marked "lent" and is more introspective than the first. It begins with a series of chords played on the organ's pedals, which are then echoed by the manuals. This creates a sense of depth and resonance that is characteristic of Franck's organ music. The movement then moves into a series of variations on the original theme, with each variation becoming more complex and ornate than the last. The movement ends with a return to the original theme, played in a more subdued manner. The final movement of "Offertoire sur un Noël breton" is marked "animé" and is the most lively of the three. It begins with a series of fast, staccato chords played on the manuals, which are then echoed by the pedals. This creates a sense of energy and excitement that is maintained throughout the movement. The movement then moves into a series of variations on the original theme, with each variation becoming more complex and virtuosic than the last. The movement ends with a triumphant coda that showcases Franck's ability to create a grand, majestic sound on the organ. Overall, "Offertoire sur un Noël breton" is a masterful piece of organ music that showcases Franck's ability to create a rich, complex sound on the instrument. Its three movements are each distinct in character, yet are united by a common theme that is developed and transformed throughout the piece. It remains a popular piece in the organ repertoire to this day.

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