Allegro symphonique, Op. 48, No. 10

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

"Allegro symphonique" is the tenth piece in "Dix pièces pour orgue, Op. 48". It is dedicated: "à Monsieur William T. Best".

William Thomas Best (1826-1897) was certainly the most famous British organist of the time, and was proclaimed by none other than Franz Liszt to be THE greatest virtuoso on ANY instrument!

"Allegro symphonique" is a brilliant and fiery movement that sounds very much in the style of Alexandre Guilmant. It was composed towards the very end of Best's life, so, he may not have performed it.

The work is a fitting conclusion to Salomé's "Dix pièces pour orgue, Op. 48". I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every piece composed by Salomé that I've recorded, and I encourage to take a look at his output!

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Salomé, two of William T. Best, and a period picture of La Trinité in Paris.