Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

ca. 1862

Average_duration

:

11:31

César Franck's "Final, for organ in B flat major, Op. 21, M. 33" is a powerful and dramatic piece of music that showcases the full range and capabilities of the organ. Composed in 1872, it was premiered on May 22 of that year at the inauguration of the new organ at the Trocadéro Palace in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is marked Allegro moderato and begins with a bold and majestic theme played on the pedals. This theme is then taken up by the manuals and developed through a series of variations and modulations. The second movement, marked Andantino, is more lyrical and introspective, with a gentle melody played on the flutes and strings of the organ. The final movement, marked Allegro non troppo, is a tour de force of virtuosity and power, with rapid-fire runs and arpeggios played on the manuals and pedals. Throughout the piece, Franck makes full use of the organ's vast tonal palette, from the softest whisper to the thunderous roar of the full organ. He also employs a wide range of textures and harmonies, from the lush and romantic to the austere and angular. The result is a work of great depth and complexity, one that demands both technical skill and emotional intensity from the performer. Despite its challenges, the "Final" has become one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the organ repertoire. Its combination of grandeur, lyricism, and virtuosity has made it a favorite of organists and audiences alike, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Franck's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ as an instrument.

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