Organ Book: 3 - Choral in E Minor

The organ book was written in 1956 as a wedding present for Andre Marchal's daughter. Published in 1957, the ten pieces are of a more 'normal' harmony and the registrations are given for English/American type organs. The most famous piece in the book is probably the concluding Pasticcio.

I had to do a bit of playing around with this piece. All the stops required are on the Caen organ, unfortunately not all on the manuals required! The Recit has the Gambe and Diapason required, but not the 16' Bourdon and the Quintaton is no substitute! These two were coupled to the Grand to allow the Bourdon to be added. The Choir/Positiv needs a Flute and Gemshorn. The Salicional and Cor de Nuit were used as substitutes.

When the time comes to change registration for the Clarinette solo and Gambe, I had to use the Recit for the Clarinette, as the Positiv Cromorne doesn't have the right sound, meaning the Grand Gambe had to be used rather than the Recit Gambe. This affects the ability to vary the dynamics as written in the score, but I don't think the dynamics add that much to the piece anyway!

The way this piece is written it gives the effect of a natural crescendo and decrescendo as it moves up and down the manuals.

Hope you enjoy.
John