Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1854

Publication Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

14:20

César Franck's "Piece, for organ or harmonium in A major" was composed in 1862 and premiered on February 22, 1863, at the inauguration of the new organ at the church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where Franck was the organist. The piece is divided into three movements: Fantaisie, Cantabile, and Pièce héroïque. The first movement, Fantaisie, begins with a lively and energetic theme that is developed throughout the movement. The theme is introduced by the manuals and then taken up by the pedals. The movement is characterized by its virtuosic passages and its use of counterpoint. The middle section of the movement is more subdued and features a lyrical melody played on the manuals. The second movement, Cantabile, is a slow and expressive piece that showcases the organ's ability to produce a wide range of colors and textures. The movement is characterized by its use of legato phrasing and its rich harmonies. The melody is played on the manuals and is accompanied by a gentle and flowing accompaniment in the pedals. The final movement, Pièce héroïque, is a grand and majestic piece that features a powerful theme played on the pedals. The theme is then taken up by the manuals and developed throughout the movement. The movement is characterized by its use of dramatic contrasts and its virtuosic passages. The piece ends with a triumphant coda that brings the work to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Franck's "Piece, for organ or harmonium in A major" is a masterful work that showcases the full range of the organ's capabilities. Its three movements are characterized by their virtuosic passages, rich harmonies, and dramatic contrasts, making it a favorite among organists and audiences alike.

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