Savoring the Sounds of Organ on Shrove Tuesday

On Shrove Tuesday (March 1) at 7 pm, Ron McEntire will perform the first of several concerts in 2022, which will cover all the organ works of composer César Franck (1822-1890). Franck is known for: his Symphony in D Minor, his violin sonata, his famous vocal piece, “Panis Angelicus,” and his 12 organ works. He originated the “romantic, symphonic organ” style of playing, in contrast to the Baroque composers of Bach, Clerambault, Couperin and Daquin. In collaboration with the organ builder, Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the organs of Paris became legendary for their size and sound. The composers Vierne, Widor, Dupre, Durufle, and Messiaen followed in this tradition and have composed some of the greatest organ music ever written; it all began with Franck. Franck’s output was published in three stages: The first six pieces in 1868, then three pieces published 10 years later, which premiered at the Festival Hall of the Palais du Trocadéro, newly constructed for the Universal Exposition. His final three Chorals were published in 1890 a few months before his death. The performance at St. Luke’s on March 1 will feature five of the first six pieces. This will include the 1) Fantasie in C, 2) Prélude, Fugue and Variation, 3) Pastorale, 4) Prière and 6) Final. (Number 5), the Grande Pièce Symphonique, was played at the organ Inaugural concert in November last year.)