Description
Book SynopsisPresenting a fresh approach to French organ music, David Ponsford analyses the repertory from the reign of Louis XIV by genre. The colourful French organ was so consistent in design that the very titles of pieces that were constituent parts of organ masses, Magnificats and suites prescribed the registrations: plein jeu, fugue, duo, rÃcit, trio, fond d'orgue and grand jeu. Particular examples from published livres d'orgue and important manuscript collections are analysed chronologically, so that influences from Italian as well as French sacred and secular music can be traced. This analysis reveals the dynamic development of compositional styles in which each composer developed, modified or reacted against the exemplars of his predecessors. Composers discussed include Louis Couperin, FranÃois Couperin, Raison, ClÃrambault and Marchand. The reader will gain an enhanced understanding of performance practices such as notes inÃgales, fingering and ornamentation, and the influence of French c
Trade Review'Here is a book the organ world has been waiting for: an authoritative account of French Baroque organ music from Louis Couperin to Clérambault, based on an examination of the repertoire by genre rather than simply by composer, thus revealing many new insights. Moreover, the links between stylistic analysis and performance practice make the book essential reading for both performers and scholars.' Kenneth Gilbert
'David Ponsford's analytical book on French classical organ music is a very welcome addition to the small number of works in English on this subject … The book is well indexed and I suspect that the work's true value will be as a reference tool for organists wrestling with performance issues for specific composers and pieces. This book is a must-have for any serious organist.' William McVicker, Choir and Organ
'An invaluable aid to understanding and appreciating its subject.' Early Music
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Genre; 3. The conventions of notes inégales; 4. Ornaments; 5. Fingering; 6. The influence of Italian music; 7. Plein jeu; 8. Fugue; 9. Duo; 10. Récit de dessus; 11. Récit en taille; 12. Récit de basse; 13. Trio; 14. Fond d'orgue; 15. Grand jeu.
