Rapsodie Pastorale, Op. 48, No. 3

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 Trinité in Paris for many
years.

I recall that Salomé was recommended for many major jobs, but for some reason, probably political, he never "got the big one," remaining as the "assistant" at La Trinité for the bulk of his career.

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

"Rapsodie Pastorale" is the third in the set of "Dix Piéces, Op. 48" which were published in 1892. There is tremendous appeal in terms of melody, harmony, and color in this piece. It is dedicated to the American organist and composer, Arthur Foote. (I've also recorded a number of his works.)

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Théodore Salomé, one of the dedicatee, Arthur Foote, taken around the time of this dedication, and a period picture of La Trinité in Paris.

To hear more of Salomé's Op. 48:

No. 1 - "Marche Gothique"

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/21615

No. 2 - "Prière"

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/21616

No. 4 - "Eglogue Ecossaise"

(coming tomorrow)