Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

ca. 1860

Average_duration

:

13:11

César Franck's 'Fantasy, for organ in C major, Op. 16, M. 28' is a masterpiece of the Romantic era. It was composed in 1868 and premiered on May 22, 1870, at the inauguration of the new organ at the Trocadéro Palace in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Lento," begins with a solemn and majestic theme played on the pedals. The theme is then taken up by the manuals and developed in a series of variations. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful chordal section before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic scherzo. It features a playful and syncopated theme that is passed between the manuals and pedals. The middle section of the movement is more lyrical and features a soaring melody played on the manuals. The scherzo theme returns, and the movement ends with a flourish. The final movement, marked "Lento," is a grand and majestic finale. It begins with a solemn and majestic theme played on the pedals, similar to the opening of the first movement. The theme is then taken up by the manuals and developed in a series of variations. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. Throughout the piece, Franck makes use of the full range of the organ's capabilities, from the softest and most delicate stops to the most powerful and thunderous. He also employs a wide range of textures, from simple and sparse to dense and complex. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, lush melodies, and dramatic contrasts. Overall, Franck's 'Fantasy, for organ in C major, Op. 16, M. 28' is a masterpiece of the Romantic era and a testament to the power and versatility of the organ as an instrument. Its three movements showcase Franck's mastery of form, harmony, and texture, and its grand and majestic finale is a fitting conclusion to this monumental work.

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