Marche Gothique, Op. 48, No. 1

Théodore-César Salomé (20 January 1834 – 26 July 1896) was born in Paris. He completed all of his musical studies at the Conservatoire de Paris, under the tutelage of François Bazin for harmony and accompaniment, and François Benoist for organ. He won several honorable awards, including: second prize in harmony (1855), second prize in organ and in harmony (1856), second and third prize in harmony and organ (1857), and second prize in harmony (1859). His cantata Atala was awarded the premier Second Grand Prix of the Prix de Rome in 1861. In the same year Théodore Dubois was awarded the first grand prize, and Eugène Anthiome and Titus Constantin won the deuxième Second Grand Prix. He was highly regarded, and served as "Choir Organist" at La Trinite in Paris for many years.

"Marche Gothique" is the first of the set of "Dix Piéces, Op. 48" which were published in 1892. It is the sort of piece that makes an immediate impact upon the performer and listener, and is the "type" of work that would be enjoyed by all listeners, regardless of their musical "sophistication" level.

Strong and modal, there is a grand solemnity to it, that only modal harmony can impart. This is the sort of composition that upon your hearing may become an instant favorite.

I really like Salomé's "pure romantic" writing, and I think I MAY do more of Op. 48... :-)

Rather than try to squeeze in some interesting facts, I'll give the link, so you can read the whole story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Théodore_Salomé

I chose Metz as it still my favorite of the French sets. Notice how grand and full the sound is when you add the "Octave graves"! It really fills it out.

The score is attached, as well as two photos of Salomé, and a photo of La Trinite in all it's glory.