Noël Suisse

Louis-Nicolas Séjan (1786-1849) was the son of Nicolas Séjan, one of the foremost organists of his day.

He succeeded his father as organist at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris and at the Invalides.

When the Chapel Royal was closed in 1830, he lost his position as organist. In 1848, his salary at Saint-Sulpice was so reduced that he was forced to resign. He left Paris in March 1848 and died soon after at the age of 63.

This work is found in the composer's "Trois Fugues et Plusieurs Noëls," which was published posthumously in 1819.

The work shows strong elements of the great French Noëlists of earlier days, but there is less "depth" here, at least from my point of view.

Since the work is more classical in style, the ornaments I added were fewer than what I might have included in a more baroque piece.

The score is attached below, as well as likeness of Louis Nicolas-Séjan.

Tomorrow, the absolutely unique "Christmas Suite" by Philip James.