Au pied de la Croix (Triptyque)

André Gouin (27 May 1889 — 22 November 1959) was born in Fontenay-le-Comte, he died in Poitiers where he taught at the Institution des Aveugles; he was also organist at Saint-Hilaire church for 50 years.

"Au pied de la Croix" ("At the foot of the Cross") is the second movement in the composer's "Triptyque," published in October 1937, and found in "L'Organiste."

The work is dedicated "à Monsieur l’abbé Courtonne, organiste de la cathédrale de Nantes".

This movement is inspired by the 13th verse from the Second Book of Lamentations:

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Saint-Hilaire church, and of the la cathédrale de Nantes.

More music for Passiontide coming later today, with several uploads for Easter on Sunday!