Composer

:

Alexandre Guilmant

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1888

Average_duration

:

10:18

Alexandre Guilmant's 'Légende et Finale Symphonique, Op. 71' is a two-movement work for organ and orchestra. It was composed in 1901 and premiered on January 26, 1902, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, with Guilmant himself as the soloist. The first movement, 'Légende,' is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the organ's ability to create a wide range of colors and textures. The movement begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the solo organ, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, 'Finale Symphonique,' is a virtuosic tour-de-force for the organ soloist. It is a fast-paced and energetic piece that features dazzling runs, intricate passagework, and thunderous chords. The movement is structured as a rondo, with the main theme returning several times in different guises. The music builds to a thrilling conclusion, with the organ and orchestra trading off rapid-fire passages before coming together in a triumphant final chord. Overall, 'Légende et Finale Symphonique, Op. 71' is a showcase for the organ's versatility and power, as well as Guilmant's skill as a composer and performer. The work is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and virtuosic flourishes, and remains a popular and frequently performed piece in the organ repertoire.

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