Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Offertory

Compose Date

:

1861

Publication Date

:

1871

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

César Franck's "Offertoires (3), M. 63-65" is a set of three pieces for organ, composed in 1878. The pieces were premiered by Franck himself at the inauguration of the new organ at the church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where he served as organist. The first offertoire, in E-flat major, is marked "modéré" and begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chordal pattern in the left. The melody gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and the pedal providing a rich bass line. The piece reaches a climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. The second offertoire, in B minor, is marked "allegretto ma non troppo" and has a more lively, dance-like character. The right hand plays a sprightly melody over a syncopated accompaniment in the left, while the pedal provides a driving bass line. The middle section of the piece features a more lyrical melody, before returning to the lively opening theme. The third offertoire, in A major, is marked "modéré" and has a more contemplative character than the previous two pieces. The right hand plays a simple, hymn-like melody over a gently undulating accompaniment in the left, while the pedal provides a sustained bass note. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and the pedal providing a more active bass line. The piece reaches a climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. Overall, the "Offertoires (3), M. 63-65" showcase Franck's mastery of the organ and his ability to create rich, complex textures with simple melodic and harmonic material. The pieces are well-suited for use in church services, particularly during the offertory portion of the Mass.

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