Prélude et Cantilène

One of the MOST unique features of this organ is the Horn 8' on the Grand Orgue! It is, I believe, what is known as a "free-reed," and consequently, sounds like a reed organ, or, even like an accordion.

Unless I am mistaken, it has its own swell box! ;-)

I was wondering if I could possibly find a piece that would demonstrate the unique sound quality of this stop, and, THIS is it!

Samuel-Alexandre Rousseau was a French composer, organist and musicographer, born June 11, 18531 in Neuve-Maison (Aisne) and died October 1, 1904 in Paris.

Son of the builder of harmoniums, he entered the Conservatoire de Paris at the age of 14, where in 1872, he was one of the first students of the organ class of César Franck, with Paul Wachs and Francis Thomé . He studied composition with François Bazin, and obtained the Grand Prix de Rome in 1878.

After his time in Rome, he became organist-accompanist and later chapel master at the Basilica of St. Clotilde. In addition to several masses and a Requiem, he composed many pieces for the organ and the harmonium.
In 1900, he was knighted by the Legion of Honor.

"Prélude et Cantilène" is dedicated to William C. Carl (1865-1936), who included it in his collection of "Masterpieces for the Organ," published by G. Schirmer in 1898. Carl was one of the leading American organists, and was organist of First Presbyterian Church in Newark, NJ before going to a similar position in NYC. (My ONLY non-Episcopal position (of any size) was at First Presbyterian (Old First Church) from 1993-1997.)

A "description" of the piece isn't really necessary! Your ears, and an "open and sunny heart" are all that you need to find your way through this very special work.

So, come with me as we stroll down a boulevard in Paris on a Sunday afternoon. The year is in the late 1890s. From a distance, we hear the sweet strains of an accordion, providing a musical score for our afternoon.

The score is attached below, as well as 2 photos of Rousseau, & 1 of Carl.