Suite d'orgue sur des thèmes grégoriens (temps de Noël)

Antoine Louis Joseph Gueyrand Fernand Fouant de La Tombelle (Paris, 3 August 1854 - Dordogne, 13 August 1928) was a French organist and composer.

His first compositions won him twice the gold medal of the Grand Prix Pleyel. As an organist, he joined forces with Guilmant for the recitals of the Trocadéro in 1878. Although he was never "appointed," he was the assistant and the replacement of Théodore Dubois at the Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Madeleine church in Paris. In the same way, he often collaborated with Guilmant in recitals on his organ in the Church of the Holy Trinity. He was frequently jn demand as a performer, and gave organ recitals throughout France.

For a full and interesting (I THINK it is, IF you read French!), you can have a look here: http://www.musimem.com/tombelle.htm

"Suite d'orgue sur des thèmes grégoriens (temps de Noël)" was published in 1911. There are five movements: 1. "Prélude et Introit," 2. "Offertoire," 3. "Elévation," 4. "Communion (Sur un vieux Noël.)," and 5. "Sortie (Toccata dans le style ancien.)"

Written for organ or harmonium, the performer will need to decide how much "for organ" he/she can work into this. I tried to take as much of the "grand orgue approach" as I could, and I think the results are quite good.

I did this several weeks before Christmas, but today was the first day that I was able to listen and make a determination whether or not to upload.

At the moment, my hearing is actually quite good, but, it's a roller coaster. Let's hope it will hold on...

I dedicate this to ALL my many caring friends and listeners here. I'm not able to adequately express just how much I appreciate the genuine support that you give. :-)

I have one other "Christmas one," and, if it sounds OK, I'll put that one up tomorrow.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of Ferdnand de la Tombelle and of his signature.

Timings for the individual movements are given in the First Comment.