Intermezzo (Fileuse) AWV 74b, JA 66(bis)

This charming work was written in March 1934 and entitled ‘Intermezzo’ (AWV 74). It was scored for string quartet and piano. The original manuscript was found in the belongings of Alain’s friend Lola Bluhm as late as 1987. So far, this version is unpublished but has been performed and recorded by Ensemble Villa Musica (1990).
Alain’s composition professor Paul Dukas, suggested that the work was too long and should probably be shortened for his final composition exam on the 19th June 1934. It was also difficult to arrange for the five musicians to meet for rehearsals and performance. Consequently, Alain transcribed the score for two pianos and bassoon (AWV 74a) and shortened it from 124 bars to 111. His sister Odile played the second piano part at the exam and Alain wrote the dedication, ‘à ma chère petite sœur Marie-Odile’.
In early March 1936, Alain sent a copy of a transcription of the work for organ (AWV 74b) to Dupré with the dedication ‘to my Master Marcel Dupré, in humble homage of my infinite gratitude’. Suggestion for registrations were included required ‘a highly perfected organ [with] the latest modern improvements’. Dupré’s home organ at Meudon provided two voices required in the pedals.
In reply, Dupré wrote, ‘My dear little Jean, I am deeply touched by your most delicate thought, and I will piously keep your delicious Intermezzo with my manuscripts. I just reread it with great joy and I repeat my deep affection and my absolute belief that I have in your superb future. You should come one day to play your work on my organ and you can experiment with the divided keyboards, sostenutos and… all the modern comforts… with my greatest affection to you and your dear wife, Marcel Dupré’.
Alain told Evaine that this was ‘enough to make the head of a young man like me spin! I dream when thinking about Dupré’s house organ, one of the most sophisticated in the world! These advanced improvements were mostly invented by him…what a pleasure for the ears, the spirit'.